Watch | Meet the artisans behind Tamil Nadu’s traditional wood carving

What separates these carvings from the rest is the use of wood and the intricate designs the artisans chisel out in a fashion similar to that used in stone sculpting.

Wood carving is one of the ancient arts of mankind and a part of intricate architecture.

Traditional Dravidian architecture, sculptures and figurines have been forged out of stone since time immemorial, as can be seen in various temples across South India.

Time-consuming work: The traditional practice makes the process of wood carving slow and expensive. | Photo Credit: E. Lakshmi Narayanan

You may have seen these wood carvings displayed at Chennai International Airport, providing a glimpse into Tamil Nadu’s cultural heritage to travellers.

Wondered where these beautiful carvings are from?

From this village called Thammampatti, located between the serene hills of Kollimalai and Pachaimalai in Salem district in Tamil Nadu

The community was founded by one Andaver and his brother in 1942.

Read the full story here.

Reporting: Avantika Krishna

Visuals: E. Lakshmi Narayanan

Production and Voiceover: Yuvasree S