Ladakh wood carving is a visually striking art technique that has been practiced in the region for roughly 600 years. The art of wood carving has become more popular over time, and the region's distinctive artistic and cultural legacy is showcased by the superb craftsmanship. The art form is widely recognized and in great demand for religious, cultural, and spiritual reasons, particularly in Buddhist nations.

The artform

Tibetan Buddhism has a strong influence on Ladakhi artistic traditions. There are many different applications of woodcarving, which can be seen from everyday furniture and utensils to interior décor pieces and the architecture of religious as well as commercial buildings. The elaborate patterns and themes of Ladakh wood carvings feature gods, flowers, animals and birds, dragons, and other creatures. The colors employed in these carvings have deep cultural and ritualistic significance.

GI tag

The exquisite Ladakh wood carving, also known as ‘Ladakh Shingskos’, is the first handicraft from the Union Territory to be granted a Geographical Indication (GI) tag with support from NABARD in 2022.