Design Resource
Wooden Bhoota Figures – Udupi, Karnataka
Art of Traditional Udupi Wooden Statue Making
by
Introduction
Bhoota Figures are taken or based on from the purathana kala (olden traditions) or it is on the religious beliefs (dharmika nambike) that led the people of the villages. It is a traditional art that is transferred only from the forefathers to the next generation, seen in the Basrur region of Udupi in Karnataka
Generally these figures are made in the month from January to July that are sold more in temples of Kundapura taluk, South Canara, (Dakshina Kannada) and the Udupi district. The worship of these types of idols are usually seen in the Tulu nadu regions of Karnataka. Bhoota’s are referred as ethereal spirits or demi gods that protect the people of the village from evil. It is a prehistoric ritual form of worship that exists within the Tulu speaking community of people.
These are characterized into three classes based on the spirits namely Hindu pantheon, Glorified human beings and Heroic warriors such the twins etc. Coastal part of Karnataka is generally known for the two form of art namely Bhoota kola and ritual dance of yaksagana. Bhoota Staana which can be anything from a plat form under a tree in the open air to huts with thatched roofs. The bhuta be represented by a crude stone, or a mask, or metal objects of various shapes or finely carved wooden sculpture or metal idols. The literary meaning of bhoota means ghost, these are referred to as Gods who protect the villages.
During the festival, the ceremony runs till late night in the well decorated pandal made from palm leaf, mango leaf and areca flowers and a ritualistic stage covered with the image of deities on one side and devotees on the other. It is also accompanied by a group of musicians holding drums and wind instruments played by varying tempo suiting to the stages and processions. Normal size of the figures are of 1-2 feet to 15 feet in height and to carve intricate profiles to painting it requires a minimum of ten days and if the design is more it requires further time. For which the carvings of the idols are usually done on the trees like Hebbel, halasu, sandal wood etc.
Gudigar community in the name of M/s Shree Shyla Fine Arts is involved in this arts since 3 last generations, expertise in different types of bhoota figures and other types of wood carvings. This community can be contacted in Kundapura (Mr.Pradeep Gudigar, Mobile# 094484 28677).
