Wood carving is an age-old craft practiced by the Khasi, Jaintia, and Garo tribes of Meghalaya, often seen in homes, monoliths, and community structures.
It involves carving intricate designs, human figures, and animals on wood to create decorative or functional objects, including furniture, doors, and ritual items.
The artist selects and smooths a suitable hardwood, such as teak or sal. Designs are outlined on the surface using charcoal or chalk. Sharp chisels, hammers, and carving knives are used to carve out details, layer by layer. The finished piece is polished and sometimes painted for enhancement.
Meghalaya Wood Carving is characterised by fine detailing with a focus on symmetry and proportion.
