Lord Ganesha is one of the most popular Hindu deities. This Indian deity is considered the destroyer of evils and obstacles and the god of intelligence and wisdom.
Lord Ganesha is worshipped when starting a new venture to ease the obstacles that may arise in the path. Handmade statues of Lord Ganesha add spiritual and aesthetic value wherever it is placed.
The statues of Lord Ganesha made from wood have their own significance. A wooden statue of this deity is a unique piece of art that implies you are bringing good health, long life, and success to your home.
The Art of Making Wooden Ganesha Sculptures
The process of making Lord Ganesha Statues of wood is simply phenomenal. Sculpting on wood has been practiced since prehistoric times. Though wood carving is prevalent in all parts of India, the southern states of Karnataka, Kerala, and Tamil Nadu have a centuries-old tradition of wood sculpting.
These distinctive and traditional wooden sculptures are made by immensely talented artisans who have inherited this learning from their earlier generations. Many temples and homes in the southern states of India possess beautiful wooden deities carved by such skilled artisans.
The Wonders of Craftsmanship
Making intricately carved wooden Ganesha idols requires exquisite craftsmanship, dedication, and detailed process. The finest Ganesha idols are made by master artisans who have the talent and skills to create mesmerizing statues that last for a lifetime.
The statue has many details, including a broken tusk, cobra belt, lotus base, rat, trunk, multiple arms, and many more. Using various tools, skills, and expertise, this deity’s statues are primarily made for worship as opposed to the popular misconception that Lord Ganesha’s idols are made for aesthetic purposes.
The way these skillful artisans transform a simple block of wood into an expressive artwork is fascinating and interesting. It can take a few or many days to make a single wooden statue of this deity as the process of creating these statues with wood is elaborate and time-consuming. The carving is entirely done by hands, and a lot of hard work, patience, and precision go into creating this impeccable artwork.
Tools for Making Wooden Statues
Different types of tools are used to make these statues. Like any other wooden statues, they require the carving knife for cutting, trimming, and smoothening wood. Chisels, hammers, gouges, sandpaper, wooden mallets, and pointed instruments are some of the instruments used for making these art pieces.
Selection of Wood
The wood from the trees is used as raw material to design wooden statues. The process of making Lord Ganesha’s idols starts with the selection of wood. For making wooden statues, both softwood and hardwood can be used. Softwood is chosen for carving intricate details as they are easier to shape, while hardwood offers excellent luster and is long-lasting.
The statues are produced from different wood types – Beechwood, Neem, Teak Wood, Cedar, Pine, Rose-Wood, and Sandalwood. The right pieces of wood are selected by the craftsmen depending on the carving requirement and have a significant role in the product’s outcome.
Process of making wooden statues
The process first starts with designing the layout of Lord Ganesha. The statue’s design is then created on the wood using carbon paper as a medium for tracing. The wood is then cut into the desired shape, and then leveling and cleaning are done to make it ready to sculpt on.
After this, various tools come into use for creating details. The artisan then finishes the surface depending on the smooth or a slick requirement. The statue is finished off by applying colors, varnishes, paints, etc., to protect the wood from dirt and moisture and impart sheen to the wood.
The entire process of making Ganesha statues is handmade and complex as the statues of deities demand great attention to the minutest of details.
Handmade wooden statues of this deity are exclusively in demand for their aesthetic value. Lord Ganesha idols are available in different heights and weights and different color combinations. There are 32 representations of Lord Ganesha classified based on posture, characteristics, and trunk position. These idols can be in sitting, standing, dancing, or reclining positions.
Based on your preference, you can get a unique, handcrafted idol of this deity from a reputed seller who sells statues made by Asian Artisans in India.
You can gift or adorn a wooden statue of Lord Ganesha, bringing positive energy and outstanding craftsmanship. These durable and exquisite wooden statues will stay with you for a long time.