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Wood Carving
The tribal areas like Minghal, Chhatrahadi, Bharmaur, Manali, Parasher,
Karsog, Saranh, Moorang, Sarahan, Vilba etc are full of beautiful temples
carved out of wood. Some of the memorable carvings are Shiva and Parvati
sitting on the back of the Nandi Bull with the holy Ganges flowing out
of Shiva's tresses on the entrance door of the sun temple at Beerath near
Shimla. A panel depicting soldiers firing guns and wrestlers wrestling
and warriors dancing with daggers can be seen at the entrance of the Beejat
temple at Chaupal. In the Malana village in Kulu a pillar depicts human
figures in the act of love making.
Houses all over Himachal display intricate wooden carvings
at the entrance gates, at the edge of the roof, rooftops, verandahs and
pillars. These are especially in evidence in Kangra, Garli-Paraypur, Kulu,
Simla, Chamba and Bharmaur areas. The door ways has a carved statue of
lord Ganesh adorning it and flanked on either side by animal and bird
figures. Carving upon the pillars depict flowering creepers, kings settling
out on expeditions, wrestlers and family deities. The margins are usually
adorned with ornamental designs.
The locally produced wooden objects like book-rests (Dargail),
racks, stools, walking sticks, vases, photo frames, cupboards toys and
articles of personal adornment are good examples of the proficiency of
the local artisans in the art of wood carving. Most of the figures are
basically religious and reflect the religious devotion of the artist. |
