Wood is probably the most primitive material that was ‘fashioned by man to suit his needs. Among those who turned wood carving into an art were the Kasthakaras or the ancient Sutradharas, traditional craftsmen who worked with wood, stone, earth and colour.

Among the outstanding wood carvings of Bengal are the one-piece owl and deities of Natungram in Burdwan and sandalwood carvings of Murshidabad.