Stone Carvings

Stone Cravings have been widely practiced in the state of West Bengal, at one point of time. Slowly the art form is nearing its extinction owing to a variety of other materials capturing the market. But still the talented artisans of West Bengal continue to produce beautiful craft items that are functional yet aesthetic in their own way. The carvers do not have a formal training. They learn the basics from the previous generations and mingle their own sense in it. In the end, beauty prevails.

Stone carvings in West Bengal are especially related with making stone utensils. Hand - operated lathes are used to carve out utensils of various shapes and sizes. The stone used for the purpose is Phyllite, a semi - soft grey colored stone that is easy to carve. Simulpur in the West Medinipur district of West Bengal deserves special mention in this respect. Stone utensils need care to handle and in this respect many other materials are preferred by the common mass.

The Bhaskars or Sutradhars of Burdwan, Patun and Dainhata are renowned for their exquisite stone carvings. Their object of carving is usually human figures and figurines on the walls of temples and houses. Free standing sculptures are also marvelous examples of their work. The use of red brick stones is common especially in the temples of West Bengal. Panels and plaques are chiseled out in stone to adorn the temples. Motifs like distinctly styled elephant, horses, Gods and Goddesses are common in the stone carvings of Bengal temples.