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Shilp Mela: Wood chiselled into natural shapes attracts crowds
ADMIRERS OF sophisticated pieces of woodcraft will definitely get an opportunity to have few more of them added to their collection if they visit the woodcraft stall at Uttaranchal Shilp Mela at NCZCC
ADMIRERS OF sophisticated pieces of woodcraft will definitely get an opportunity to have few more of them added to their collection if they visit the woodcraft stall at Uttaranchal Shilp Mela at NCZCC.
The first glimpse of these woodworks conveys the impression that they are just the natural found pieces of wood which have been polished and displayed. But a closer look reveals that these pieces have been cleverly chiselled into various shapes without distorting the natural appearance.
The theme of each piece has been chosen according to the natural shape of the wood such as the one titled 'Nanda Devi with her devotees' has just a female shape chiselled at the pointed portion and the natural grooves at the lower side have been carved into other human shapes giving the impression of the devotees.
A very artistic and modern image of Ganesha too attracts the visitors to the stall which belongs to Ahmed Hussain of Kanakpur, Champavat, Uttaranchal. He has been into this trade for the past 15 years and takes pride in his work. "Natural beauty has no match to the artificial one and thus I simply added a bit of my imagination to the naturally found wood pieces. They have to be treated with water first in order to remove the outer covering and make them smooth. Then they are dried and chiselled accordingly," he said.
Ahmed has used the numerous variety of wood pieces such as Khair, Hair, Sheesham, Sal, Tung, Jhegan, Walnut and others.
He has also made the showpieces with dried moss and Bakaul flower which is found only on hills. A few showpieces have also been made of pine trees.
Ahmed likes the theme of tribal life. "The tribals are so simple and care the least about any kind of lavish lifestyle showcased by the urban people," he said.
So far he has participated in fairs and exhibitions in almost all the states except in Madhya Pradesh.
According to Kailash Chand Chamoli, mela officer, Uttaranchal, the shilp mela is drawing huge crowd and he is planning to visit again next year.
The Uttaranchal Shilp Mela will continue till October 15.
