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Over the
years, Exotic India has gathered a thoughtfully curated collection of over 2,850 wooden statues and carvings,
sourced directly from traditional workshops across the country. These works are
handcrafted by master artisans who have inherited their skills through
generations, tracing back to ancient Indian woodcraft traditions.
The
collection spans a remarkable range- from intricately detailed sculptures
several feet tall to finely carved wall hangings- reflecting the diverse
artistic languages of India’s regions. Every piece carries the weight of
devotional expression, symbolic meaning, and cultural storytelling.
The selection
of our wooden statues and artworks includes handcrafted pieces made from
teakwood, sandalwood, rosewood, camphor wood, mango wood, vengai wood, and much
more.
Intricately
carved from sacred woods, these statues represent deities from the Hindu
pantheon such as Shiva, Vishnu, Lakshmi, Durga, Hanuman, Krishna, and Balaji.
Each sculpture reflects the iconographic precision and devotional energy of
traditional art, for Puja and sacred decor.
The wooden Buddha statues, handcrafted, draw from various Buddhist traditions, Pali texts,
and Jataka tales. They embody peace, wisdom, and the timeless teachings of the
Enlightened One, ideal for sacred or contemplative spaces or a personal
collection of heritage art.
Ganesha, the
remover of obstacles and God of beginnings, is beautifully rendered in wood
across countless postures and moods in our wooden statues. These idols of Ganesha combine ritual significance with decorative appeal, perfect for homes,
offices, or gifting.
These
expressive masks echo the vibrant folk traditions of India, used in temple
dances, village rituals, and seasonal festivals. Each mask carries a symbolic
meaning and local craftsmanship unique to its region of origin, perfect for
those who collect and curate culture, home decor, and unforgettable gifting.
Crafted with
fine detailing, these wall pieces often depict mythological scenes, floral
motifs, or divine symbols. Lightweight yet sturdy, they add a touch of cultural
warmth to any wall or corner.
These wall panels
are miniature portals to India’s architectural heritage, featuring carvings
inspired by temple friezes, mandapas, and sacred iconography. Ideal for
interior accents that carry historic depth.
From carved
lintels and frames to miniature altars and furniture accents, this collection
enhances interiors with handcrafted wooden artistry. Each piece is rooted in
tradition and designed to blend with contemporary aesthetics.
Large-scale,
one-of-a-kind sculptures created by master carvers- these artworks capture
mythological grandeur and artistic mastery. Perfect for collectors or
sanctified spaces seeking a centrepiece of spiritual and aesthetic
significance.
Wood has been extensively used in making statues and sculptures for many centuries. It is lighter and softer than other materials and is therefore suitable to be carved into any desired shape or form. Apart from being cost-effective, it is relatively easier to carve fine details on wood than on stone. This makes it a good choice to go for wood sculpture.
Traditional Indian wooden statues are crafted from a
variety of richly textured and culturally significant woods, each chosen for
its durability, carving quality, and natural beauty:
Teakwood –
Valued for its strength, fine grain, and resistance to decay. Often used for
larger, long-lasting sculptures.
Rosewood – A dense, dark wood with rich reddish hues, ideal for intricate detailing.
Camphor
Wood – Lightweight and aromatic, known for its smooth
texture and natural insect-repelling properties.
Neem
Wood – Sacred in Indian tradition and naturally
antibacterial, often used in devotional idols.
Vengai
Wood – A tropical hardwood known for its reddish-brown
color and strength, used in southern Indian sculpture.
Sandalwood –
Highly prized for its fragrance and smooth texture; often reserved for smaller,
sacred carvings.
Walnut
Wood – Used in Kashmir and northern India, known for its
fine carving potential and warm tones.
To clean a wooden statue:
● Use
a soft, dry microfiber cloth to
gently remove dust.
● Avoid water, wet cloths, or chemical cleaners as moisture can damage the wood.
● For
occasional maintenance, you can apply a light coat of natural wood polish or mineral oil to restore luster, especially in
dry climates.
● Keep the statue in a shaded, well-ventilated space to prevent cracking or fading.
Yes, wooden statues are commonly used for puja (worship) across many Indian traditions. When carved according to traditional iconography, they are considered sacred and suitable for home altars, temples, or spiritual spaces.
Woods like neem, sandalwood, and teak have long been associated with divine energy and are traditionally favored for devotional use. Always ensure the idol is consecrated or placed respectfully according to your tradition's rituals or customs.
● They should not be kept in places where there is excess moisture or humidity.
● Regular dusting of the finished pieces with a dry cloth is necessary to avoid the accumulation of dust within deep spaces.
● Avoid applying any alcohol-based liquids or solutions to the statue which can erode the surface of the wood.
The nature of wood (whether hard or soft wood) is that it is highly vulnerable to damage, fire, and decay. Due to this reason, wooden statues should be taken care of regularly. Keeping them in an excessively moist place should be avoided.
The lifespan of the statue depends on the type of wood used
to create it and its maintenance. But the average lifespan of statues made of
hardwood is around 15-20 years, while that of softwood would be around 5-10
years.
Wooden statues are prone to damage, fire, and rotting, and thus require proper care. In order to clean them, wipe them down using a dry cloth. This should be done regularly to avoid the accumulation of dust on the surface. Use wood-safe soap and mix it in water. Wash the statue with it and then place it in a ventilated area to let it dry.
Cleaning and preparing wood sculpture for
repair; Filling cracks and checks with filler; Remove any extra filler or
mistakes; Sanding; Apply stain, wipe off extra stain, let dry; Prevent handling
and touching of the carving; Protect the carving from excessive sunlight;
Dusting carving regularly.
The preserver treated wood should also be coated with a wood- oil, paint, or varnish. These top-coat products seal in the preserver and provide protection against weathering and wear from direct contact. Can be preserved or restored by placing flat stones or furniture pads under the carving, to keep it elevated from the floor or other surface to allow continuous airflow, stabilizing the carvings.
Yes.
Our collection includes both large statement sculptures (several feet tall) and
compact tabletop or wall-mounted pieces, offering options for homes, studios,
offices, or gifting purposes.
In
some cases, yes. If you are looking for a specific deity, pose, size, or wood
type, please reach out to our team. We will do our best to facilitate a custom
commission through our artisan network.
Many
statues retain their natural wood finish, while others feature intricate
painting, gold accents, or antique-style finishes—details are specified in
individual product descriptions.
We
take great care in securely packing each statue using protective materials and
sturdy boxes. Large or heavy pieces may be shipped via specialized logistics
partners with tracking and insurance options.
Yes,
we ship worldwide. Please note that certain items made from rare woods may be
subject to international shipping regulations. Feel free to contact us for
clarification before placing an order.
Explore the
collection and bring home a timeless piece of India’s wooden art heritage:
crafted with devotion, designed to endure.
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