Thammampatti located in Gangavalli Taluk of Salem District, between Pachaimalai and Kolli hills in Tamil Nadu, India is known for its exceptional wood carvings.
THAMMAMPATTI WOOD CARVINGS
Thammampatti wood carvings that are predominantly made by the people of that region, encompass a wide variety of motifs that are traditionally followed by their forefathers and the skill of intricate technical knowledge is passed down to this present generation of woodcarvers by legacy.
Thammampatti wood carving encompasses a wide variety of motifs, designs that are derived from architectural details of temples or heritage. The main product range includes idols of Hindu gods, mythological events or stories, Dasavataras, Vahanas of various sizes, mythological creatures, door panels, temple doors, puja mandapam, temple cars, etc. The size of the friezes or tablets varies from 2 ft. to 6 feet in length and of proportionate width with an antique finish.
The wood used to make such products includes Thoongavagai (Samaneasaman/ rain tree), vaagai (AlbizziaLebbek), Mavilangai (CrataeveRoxburch), Atti (Ficusracemosa), Pterocarpusmarsupium (Indian Kino). The rain tree wood found in agricultural lands tends to be in golden to dark brown color. It is durable and has a medium to fine texture. The vaagai tree is moisture tender, it has a good natural luster with a fine texture. The Mavilangaitree is a wild or cultivated tree that is widespread in Thammampatti region and occurs on glades and near rivers and lakes. The Atti tree is a large deciduous tree, grows to a height of 7-10 meters. It has smooth white bark which is best suited for ornamental purposes. Even Teak & rosewood is used the make door or door panels.
The wood carving craft practiced by these craftsmen is specific to the rules and measurements of iconography defined in ‘Shilpashastra’. “Thammampatti” woodcarvers are experts in working out geometric proportions and scale of detailing required for carvings especially chariots.
The Thammampatti wood carvings of Salem have been granted the prestigious Geographical Indications (GI) tag. Thammampatti wood carving, which is a signature artwork of artisans in Salem region, is set to become Tamil Nadu’s 36th geographical indication (GI) product.
As for the proof of origin and history of the product, the registry was informed that the oddar community had attained mastery in the wood carving art and the intricate technical knowledge is passed down to generations of woodcarvers by legacy. It has been thriving in Salem area for more than 75 years, and Thammampatti Shri Ugra Kathali Lakshmi Narasimha Swamy’s temple car was made by them in 1948.
At present, Thammampatti artisans mold their traditional style as per the need and choices of customers. They are mostly being exported abroad for household decorations.
The process of wood carving is environmentally friendly with minimum exposure to chemicals. Seasoning of wood is done naturally by exposing it to different climatic conditions, i.e. process is natural and is not developed under regulated conditions.
Reference: https://salem.nic.in/handicrafts/
Sengottuvel Wood Carvings
8/51, Gandhi Nagar, Thammampatty,
Salem Dt – 636113
Tamilnadu, India
+91 9443226420, 9514513008
Durairaj Wood Carvings
No 54, Gandhinagar, Thammampatti,
Near Murugan Kovil Arch, Gandhi Nagar,
Salem – 636113
Tamilnadu, India
+91 9443553143
https://www.woodcarvings.online/index.php#!
C.Srinivasan Wood Carvings
81, Gandhi Nagar,
Thammampatty – 636 113
Salem District,
Tamilnadu,
India.
Phone : 04282 226281
Mobile : +91 9443421365
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