ॐ श्री गुरुभ्यो नमः ॐ श्री शिवानन्दाय नमः ॐ श्री चिदानन्दाय नमःॐ श्री दुर्गायै नमः
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Bastar Wooden Crafts are traditional Indian wooden crafts that are manufactured in the Bastar district of Chhattisgarh state in India.
The wood-crafting work has been protected under the Geographical indication (GI) of the Government of India
Chhattisgarh, especially Bastar people have excellent skills in variety of craft work including Dhokra, bamboo craft, wrought iron craft, tribal dress, traditional textile, Kantha embroidery, terracotta, tribal painting, bell metal, etc.
Their skills have been recognized by national and state awards. Badhai tribes are skilled in this woodcraft work and they are divided into two groups. One group make agricultural instruments and other group make decorative and totemic pillars.
Another community, knows as Muria tribe also has woodcarving skills. The Murias are best in craftsmanship. Their skill apply in various objects – small & big.
They turn craft skills into interpretation of basic lifestyles and basic routines of life such as chaffing of paddy, grinding grains, etc.
They express their culture and religious faiths into art-forms that reflect through their gods, goddess, music, culture and wildlife.
The craft work heavily depended on their hands where there is no machinery usage, or very rare use of machinery in some areas only.
Woodcraft in Bastar has beautiful and unique form of art that was mastered by Bastar tribal and it helps their livelihood.
The handicrafts product has decent market in different parts of India as well as in some foreign countries.
They use teak wood, Indian Rosewood, whitewood and other finest wood to craft various handicraft items. Bastar Wooden Craft has been exhibited at “Durbar Hall Art Gallery” too.
Wooden craft from the midst of Bastar forests are known for its relief technique in which the artisans chisel the artwork at a significant depth to give a projection effect. Motifs used in the Bastar wooden craft is very much similar to those found in Indus valley civilization.
Buy wooden crafts of Bastar online by clicking here
Bastar Wooden Craft reflects local mythology, rituals, religion, and folklore in the exquisite shape & forms. The unique raw quality in the finish adds to the rustic appeal of the product.
History of Bastar Wooden Craft
The history of Bastar Wooden Craft traces back several centuries and is deeply rooted in the rich tribal heritage of Chhattisgarh. Believed to have originated during the era of the Indus Valley Civilization, the motifs and carving styles used in Bastar bear remarkable resemblance to those found in ancient archaeological remains, suggesting a long and unbroken lineage of craftsmanship.
The art form flourished under the patronage of local rulers and tribal chieftains, who encouraged artisans to carve wooden idols, ritual objects, and decorative panels for temples and community spaces. Over time, the craft evolved to reflect the spiritual beliefs, folklore, and daily lives of the tribal communities, particularly the Murias, Marias, and Gonds of the region.
Traditionally, local hardwoods like Sheshum (Indian Rosewood) and Teak were used, allowing artisans to create durable and intricately detailed works. Today, Bastar Wooden Craft continues to embody the timeless bond between nature, mythology, and the tribal way of life, preserving a living tradition that connects modern India to its ancient artistic roots.
Geographical Area of Production:
Bastar is a region with extensive land cover, with large forests of Sheshum and Shivna wood thriving in the area. Initially, the tribals used the forests to source wood for basic needs like firewood and building shelters. Over a period of time they began to use wood for carving objects and other forms of carpentry.
Specification:
Wooden craft from the midst of Bastar forests are known for its relief technique in which the tribal artisans chisel the artwork at a significant depth to give a projection effect by using simple hand held tools.
The use of local mythological tales and stories from daily life are the main characteristics seen in the art work of the Bastar craftsmen.
Description of Products:
These wooden crafts are most famous, beautiful and unique art of wooden carving of Bastar tribals. These wooden crafts are made out of the finest teak wood, Sheshum, sagon and Shivna wood.
The products are Idols, wall panels, furniture items etc. Among the furniture items Deewan (Cot with box) is very famous and attractive since it involves the art of carving with different pictures of Bastar culture and other designs of interest.
The products are used for decorative purposes, utility purposes, building interior, wall panels and furniture items, etc.
These products may also have some cultural importance to these people. The products which are generally made by them can be broadly classified into three categories :
Decorative Products
Bastar wooden artisans create a wide range of decorative items that beautifully depict tribal life and mythology. Common themes include:
- Gods and Goddesses
- Wall panels
- Wild animals and birds
- Carved scenes of village life
- Tribal masks and cultural motifs
- Representations of tribal folk dances
Furniture with Tribal Motifs
The craft is also expressed through intricately carved furniture pieces that blend functionality with traditional art. These include:
- Divans and sofa sets
- Dressing tables and mirror frames
- Dining sets and chairs
- Doors and door panels
Each piece is adorned with unique tribal patterns that showcase the artistic heritage of the Bastar region.
Daily Use Products
Beyond decorative art, Bastar craftsmen also make beautiful and practical everyday objects such as:
- Combs and hairpins
- Knives and kitchen accessories
- Tobacco cases
- Musical instruments
- Jewelry boxes
These items reflect the seamless integration of art into daily tribal life.
Method of Production
The process of creating Bastar Wooden Craft is entirely handmade and involves the following steps:
- Sawing and leveling the selected wood
- Splitting it into workable pieces
- Planing to achieve a smooth surface
- Tracing or drawing the desired design
- Carving intricate details with precision tools
- Smoothening the carved surfaces
- Polishing and finishing for durability and shine
Designs and Motifs
The motifs used in Bastar Wooden Craft closely resemble those found in the Indus Valley Civilization, suggesting an unbroken lineage of traditional craftsmanship.
Artisans often draw inspiration from local mythological tales, daily life scenes, and tribal rituals. The frequent references to religion, folklore, and community traditions in their work highlight the deep cultural connection between the craft and the people of Bastar.
Each piece is not just a decorative object, but a reflection of the region’s rich cultural legacy and spiritual depth.
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Bastar Wooden Craft – A Legacy Carved in Tradition
The motifs used in Bastar Wooden Craft bear a striking resemblance to those found in the Indus Valley Civilization, reflecting an unbroken lineage of craftsmanship that has endured through centuries.
Uniqueness of the Craft
Bastar wood carving is distinct and easily recognizable due to its deep cultural roots and artistic originality. Some of the features that make this craft truly unique are:
- Use of Sheshum wood (Indian Rosewood), known for its durability and rich texture.
- Tribal motifs inspired by nature, folklore, and rituals of the Bastar region.
- Asymmetrical forms and organic geometry that lend character to every piece.
- Representation of local mythology, culture, and daily life of tribal communities.
- A raw, rustic finish that enhances its earthy and traditional appeal.
Recognition and Legacy
Bastar Wooden Craft was conferred with the Geographical Indication (GI) tag by the Government of India in 2008 (GI Number 63) — a testament to its authenticity, cultural importance, and traditional value.
Where to Find Authentic Bastar Wooden Crafts
Explore a wide collection of handcrafted Bastar Wooden Craft showpieces at GiTAGGED.com.
Shop online to enjoy ensured quality, authenticity, and affordability, in keeping with our mission — “From the Very Land to Your Hand.”
You can also visit our GiTAGGED Store in HSR Layout, Bangalore, to experience these exquisite pieces in person.
Perfect for Every Occasion
Bastar Wooden Crafts make thoughtful and timeless gifts for any celebration — whether it’s a housewarming, anniversary, birthday, ethnic day, or festive occasion. Each piece carries with it a story, a tradition, and a touch of India’s living heritage
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“A country remains poor in wealth both materially and intellectually if it doesnot develop its handicrafts and its handicrafts & handloom industries. It lives a lazy parasitic life by importing all the manufactured articles from outside”.
~ Mahatma Gandhi
3 replies on “The Magnificent Bastar Wood Craft of Chhattisgarh: Exploring India’s Tribal Craftsmanship”
Want to learn this art I am already doing but need fine tuning .
If you have training center are in your knowledge in your city may please inform details.
Thanks & regards
For refining your skills in Bastar wood craft, Chhattisgarh offers several resources and communities that can assist with training and fine-tuning your techniques. While specific training centers for Bastar wood craft aren’t prominently advertised online, there are a few avenues you might consider exploring:
Local Artisan Communities: Bastar is known for its rich tradition of woodcraft, and local artisans are a great resource for learning and refining skills. Engaging with communities in areas like Kondagaon and Jagdalpur, which are hubs for tribal art and craft, could be beneficial. These areas are home to many skilled artisans who work with wood, bell metal, and other materials (Chatthisgarh Govt. Tourism).
Cultural Organizations: Organizations that focus on preserving and promoting traditional crafts might offer workshops or have connections with master craftsmen who provide training. You can explore options through websites dedicated to Indian crafts and heritage, such as the Craft Revival Trust and India InCH (India’s Crafts and Heritage), which provide directories of practitioners and crafts across India (Asia InCH).
State Emporiums and Exhibitions: State-run emporiums like Chhattisgarh Handicrafts Development Board may have information on workshops or artists who offer training sessions. These venues often serve as platforms for artisans to showcase their work and might also organize training sessions to promote traditional crafts.
Online Resources: Websites like Asia InCH (Encyclopedia of Intangible Cultural Heritage) offer extensive information on various crafts, including wood carving in Chhattisgarh. They provide insights into the tools, techniques, and cultural significance of these crafts, which can be useful for educational purposes and might connect you with training opportunities (Asia InCH).
Exploring these resources can provide you with opportunities to refine your Bastar wood craft skills through direct mentorship, workshops, or community engagements.
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