Wooden dolls, Natungram
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 Colored Figurines and Owls | |
| Country | Natungram, West Bengal, India |
|---|---|
| Features | Small human figures, owls |
Natungram Wooden Dolls are a type of wooden dolls popular in India, especially in West Bengal's Bardhaman district.[1] The art of making wooden dolls is a traditional practice among some Indian cultures and Natungram dolls hold particular cultural significance as they are directly associated with the goddess Lakshmi. Other examples of such dolls include the famous Gour-Nitai dolls, Krishna dolls and Royal couple dolls.
The artists of Natungram initially worked in stone carving, benefiting from the patronage of the local Rajas of Bardhaman. However, following the abolition of the Zamindari System in 1951, the craftsmen faced significant difficulties. Many left the stone carving industry for fine arts and wooden crafts; however, the number of carvers is now declining due to the inefficiency of wood carving compared to plastic and metal.
A common local family name is Sutradhar, reflecting the surname's association with carpentry and woodcarving.[2]
