Handicraft is the traditional art of creating useful
objects or decorative items entirely by hand. Wooden handicraft is a craft
where skilled labor is employed to decorate or carve wood to create items
with bare minimum tools. Each piece of handicraft is unique, owing to its
individualistic craftsmanship. Goods involving mass production/machinery are
not considered handicrafts.
Indian Handicrafts
India is a land of exotic art and traditions. She has a rich cultural
heritage of which handicrafts form an integral part. The history of Indian
handicrafts dates back to the Indus Valley Civilization (3000 B.C.-1700
B.C.).
The legacy of traditional handicrafts is passed on from one generation to
the next. India's cultural diversity results in a kaleidoscope of art and
handicraft. Be it breath-taking sculptures or awe-inspiring paintings,
handcrafted jewelry or mesmerizing woodcraft, it's all here in India. Indian
craftsmen create a gamut of masterpieces with exotic shapes, designs,
patterns and colors.
Indian Wooden Handicrafts
In India, wooden handicraft has flourished over the centuries. Handcrafted
wooden items are a prevalent feature of Indian culture. Skilled artisans
carve traditional designs on wooden items, and enhance their look by
painting them or with intricate metal/ivory inlay work. The magnetic appeal
of Indian Wooden Handicrafts lies in its exclusivity.
India is blessed with a vast number of tree species, most of which are
deciduous and evergreen. Alpine forests and trees belonging to arid regions
are also present. These trees are used extensively to manufacture wooden
handicrafts. Wooden handicrafts of India are renowned for beauty, durability
and utility. Wooden handicrafts include furniture, utensils, boxes, beads,
finely carved figurines, accessories etc.