Types of Wood Carving seen in the tribal regions of India are uncountable. Decorative aspect of door carving is ornamental. Masks and Musical instruments are made of wood. Most of the wood carving is in low relief. However the art of wood carving has reduced gradually.
Door Carving
Wood carving on doors is very common. It is found on the doors of many houses also. The wood carvings of doors are divided into two main places - doors and door frames. There are large number of decorations on doors and door-frames. Some tribes follow general pattern in door carving, while some have a geometric motif, a lack of finish and haphazard arrangement of themes on their doors.
They are carved in running designs based on flower, leaf, bird or animal, circle, star, comb and arrow patterns in a symmetrical, horizontal and vertical manner. Sometimes an animal or a bird is shown on both the sides of the frames. Peacock, fish, elephant, horse or tiger are more common. The maximum creativity of carving can be seen on doors which serves the entrance of the hut. Low relief carving serves the decorative and magical purpose.
Decorative Carving
From top to bottom designs and motifs cover the entire door. The designs include elaborated circles spirals, triangles, squares, zigzag lines, symbolic representation of sun, stars, wheels, leaves, rows of human beings and serpents. In some cases this decoration confines to the centre of each divided panel. Sometimes it is seen that these are also surrounded with four circles at four corners. In this type of decoration animal forms are not depicted.
Representational Carving
Representational carving is limited and mostly observed in interiors of the forests. In some places number of forms of pitcher, leaves, tree coming out of pitcher, plants full of flowers were carved. On the same door there is beautiful example of a human form which is holding a trident, a shield and a bow in his three hands. It is a typical specimen of form representing the three symbols of Gods in one. In some villages two to three scenes of animal and man in different panels of the door in representational forms are seen. Hunting scenes are also depicted on these doors. In certain villages, animals, birds, trees, symbols of sun and human forms are carved on the doors.
Tribal Masks
Tribal masks are popular in the adult and children`s festivals and dances. They are brought out on ceremonial occasions. Masks are also displayed at marriages. These masks are large and heavy. The masks have a strong appeal in the art of characterisation. It is a perfect transmitter of facial expressions. Masks are art pieces as well as made with a purpose to drive away the evil forces for the tribals.
Musical Instruments
Musical instruments in tribal society are very simple. Stringed instruments are made of wood. The top of such instruments is always carved in some bird or animal head with curving lines, floral designs and motifs.
Posts
The carving of wooden posts for the purpose of wedding and depiction of power in village temples is common in many tribal areas. The marriage posts are based on legendary significance. They bear the symbolic representation of Ghamsen, Khermai and other field Gods.
