Design Resource
Wooden Bhoota Figures - Udupi, Karnataka
Art of Traditional Udupi Wooden Statue Making
by
Prof. Bibhudutta Baral,Divyadarshan C S and Lija M G
Tools and Raw Materials
Some of the tools used for making the wooden Bhoota figures are as follows:
• Jackfruit Wood: Wood is preferred for making Bhoota Figures.
• Pencil: To draw the outline on the wooden pieces before carving.
• Hammer: It is used for hammering and to bring in the impression of an object.
• Chisel (Uli in local): Big and small chisels are used for basic carving.
• Wooden Mallet: To hit (knock) the wooden pieces together.
• Rekaecherana, Cherana (Carving tools): These are used for carving the intricate portions of god characters onto the wood.
• Files: It is used to obtain an even surface on the wood.
• Trisquare: To measure the right angle and straightness of the idols.
• Sandpaper: It is used to smooth the surface of the wood after carving.
• Turpentine: It is used as a solvent for the paint (for organic synthesis).
• Sprayer: To spray the colors onto the smooth idol surface.
• Paints (Enamel): Different colors are used to highlight the characters.
• Brushes: Different sizes of brushes are used to paint the detailing of the characters on the carved wooden pieces.
• Synthetic Varnish: It is used to obtain shining/ luster effect.
• Cleaning Brush: To clean very fine dust on the carved wood before spray painting.
• Hand Saw: It is a tool with toothed edges used for cutting wood.
• Wood Adhesive: To join the parts of the idol.
