Wood
is an integral part of the Nepalese traditional
culture and architecture and evidence of its role
can be found dating back to the Licchavi period,
fourth through ninth century. Most of the woodcarvings
that have survived throughout Nepal around temples
and other heritage sites are from the thirteenth
to eighteenth century Malla period. While earlier
woodcarvings have been described in travelogues,
samples have not survived the elements. Clans of
Newars, the 'old people' of Kathmandu, have been
working with wood for generations. Among these Newar
woodcarver clans, the Silpakars are, perhaps, the
best known. They produce statues, decorative windows,
doors and other works that is sold both locally
and abroad contributing one of Nepal's most important
industries. Restorations in traditional styles are
ongoing and there has been a surge in traditional
style buildings. Scholars believe that wooden windows,
struts, and other carvings have seen the least influence
from outside sources among all other art forms and
were developed and fine tuned by the Nepalese themselves.
Note that the woodcarvings of the Khas Kingdom,
eleventh to fourteenth centuries, in western Nepal
are not discussed in detail and warrant a closer
look when studying Nepalese woodwork. This section
includes a woodwork photo gallery and a collectibles
section revealing several forms of the artwork.
In-depth articles and photographs the history of
Nepalese woodwork, how it appears today where its
industry is going according to artisans and politicians.
The process of woodwork today as well as how a typical
artist lives.
COLLECTIBLES