From chisel to masterpiece: Thammampatti’s wood carving legacy

Nestled between the lush green hills of Kollimalai and Pachaimalai, the village of Thammampatti in Salem district is synonymous with traditional wood crafts. Artisans patiently chip away at wood to carve out life-like faces with nothing but a chisel and a hammer, giving sustenance to the unique art of sculpting that began almost a century ago.

Consisting of around 60 families and 200 artisans, the community was founded by Andaver and his brother in 1942. It is said the family learned wood carving from the temple workers of Thanjavur and its neighbouring villages before it left to establish a workshop at Thammampatti.

                                                                                      Sengottuvel working picture.