History

Design Resource

Woodcraft of Bastar

The Craft of Wood

History

It is believed that the some of the early structures like temporary shelters for humans; were made out of tree branches and leaves. Forest and it’s by products have always played a pivotal role in tribal culture. From the decorated wooden pillars in house, to the comb full of beautifully inscribed motifs, wood has shown its presence in the tribal society since ages. In Ghotuls, the youth dormitory of the tribals, girls and boys used to dance around carved wooden pillar. Musical instruments, wooden headrests, drums and dancing stilts were also made of wood. Boys used to gifts gorgeously carved wooden combs as tokens of love to the girls of their choice. Many old temples of the region display highly decorative woodwork. Skillfully crafted designs of various animals and humans can be seen on its door panel and frames, pillars, roofs and inside the shrine. Some tribes of the region build wooden and stone pillars in the memory of dead. These pillars are decorated with detailed motifs describing the life of the deceased. The best example of existence of the craft in tribal culture can be seen during the festival of Dussehra, which is the main festival of Bastar region. The chariot carrying Danteshwari mata is the largest single piece of woodcraft, measuring approximately 11 x 11 meters in dimensions. Wooden axes and spears play a pivotal role in the rituals of the tribes.

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Woodcraft of Bastar