Wood Carving/ Kashtakari of Goa

Goa’s rich tradition in woodcarving is visible in churches, temples and traditional houses there. The Portuguese influence is shown in the Portuguese-style furniture made and the carvings in the churches and cathedrals. Wood carving is traditionally done by the Suthar and Badhai community.

Teak, rosewood jackfruit and jungle wood is obtained from the densely forested area on Canacona, the southernmost region of Goa and Sanguem taluka.
All kinds of products continue to be made from interiors, exteriors, roofs, all kinds of furniture, doors and windows, objects like mirrors, boxes etc. Carved motifs include grapes, lotus, peepal leaf, palm leaf, surajmukhi or sun faced panels. The pattern is transferred to both sides of the block with the help of a stencil and a chalk, and carved. The carving is done entirely manually using chisels and hammers.