Design Resource
Soft Stone Carving - Hampi
The Skillful Crafts of Stone
by
Prof. Bibhudutta Baral,Divyadarshan C. S. and Lija M. G.
Making Process
For the carving out on the stones, the craftsmen prefers the soft stones that are especially available in the Bellur and Hallebedu regions of the state of Karnataka that has the traditional carvings. Soft stones are generally preferred by this craftsmen as he comments the best intricate and fine carving to be done on them. Stones are roughly carved out and then drawn with a chalk/ charcoal to figure out the intricate works to be done on them. The outer surfaces are strike out first and then removed portion by portion such that the core part of the stone doesn’t get broken away while striking.
The craftsmen generally prefers Human palm sized cushions to chisel out the extra stone materials instead of a hammer. Even in some cases he uses his palm to give an impact to the stone as he refers that it is a soft stone. After the stone material is roughly chiseled out, on the base shape of the idol detailed carving is done. As the detail carving is completed, sandpaper is used to remove the layer of stone materials for the final finishing of the idols. In some cases black colour is applied to give a difference, but only done on the customer’s request (preference).
Flow Chart of Making Process:
