Bhoota Figures of Karnataka

The bhootas are nature or ethereal spirits or demigods that are worshipped by the Bhootia cult located in Dakshina Kannada and Uttara Kannada. The spirits are believed to protect their cattle, ward off diseases and safeguard the people of the village from evil. The community believes that neglecting the spirits will make their life miserable.

The wooden sculptures of bhootas are found in temples dedicated to Hindu gods. The carving of the bhoota figures is a hereditary profession, handed down from generation to generation.

The halsa or the untreated jackwood is carved using chisels, hammer, saws, and file and painted to create the figures.

The wood log is first sawed into blocks. Rough sketching is done on the blocks with a pencil. Scraping tools are used to scrape out the unwanted wood. Details of body parts are made using the carving tools. The hands are made separately and joined to the body with an adhesive. A coating of enamel is given to the carved figure as the base layer. Then a coat of wood varnish is applied for a smooth finish. The finished figures are then installed into the floor of the shrines or on either side of a pandal made during festival ceremonies.

The famous bhoota figures are installed in Nandikeshvara Temple in Mekkekattu in Udipi.