The Art of Shingskos: Ladakh’s Exquisite Wood Carving Tradition

Ladakh has been considered a mystic place rich in Tibetan religious symbolism. The process of acculturation and consolidation of Buddhism in Ladakh is inextricably linked with the neighboring land, Tibet. It is the same place where ancient Indic esoteric Buddhist practices brought by Indian tantric master Padmasambhava disseminated the esoteric Buddhist practices, which slowly amalgamated into existing Bon beliefs of Tibet. Over the years, it eventually crystallized into Tibetan Buddhism, which ultimately made its way to Ladakh. This close association of Ladakh with Tibet might have prompted Dr. Francke to refer to the history of Ladakh as that of Western Tibet.

However, contrary to this popular belief, it is now quite certain that Buddhism first reached western regions of present-day Ladakh from Kashmir, not from Tibet, possibly as early as the 1st or 2nd century AD during the Kushan rule. Therefore, the Buddhist symbolism that developed in Ladakh was a rich concoction of the cultural and artistic traditions belonging to both Kashmir and Tibet. Myriads of these Buddhist symbols or motifs have been represented in various art forms that developed in the region. One among those artistic traditions is the wood carving technique also known as “Ladakh Shingskos,” which is a centuries-old craft deeply entrenched in the Tibetan and Buddhist influences. The wooden craft is seen almost everywhere in Ladakh and has been successfully accentuating the grandeur of the palaces and monasteries while adorning the traditional Ladakhi homes and hotels. In 2022, with the assistance of NABARD, it became the first handicraft from the Union Territory to acquire a Geographical Indication (GI) tag.

Ladakhi intricate wood carving on the windows and balconies of Sankar Gompa, Ladakh (Vanshika Sai, personal photograph, May 15, 2024).

Historical Origins and Cultural Influences

The exchange of ideas, beliefs, traditions, languages, and cultures across neighboring regions is an age-old practice that is pervasive in nature, and in this context, Ladakh is no exception. The origins of Ladakh’s wood carving tradition can be traced to early cultural influences from Kashmir and Tibet. After the rise of Buddhism in the region, Ladakh saw the emergence of Buddhist monasteries that developed with the support of royal patronage. They showcased the early creative manifestations of the wood carving technique that has now been practiced for almost six hundred years in the region. The unique craftsmanship of this art form is highly influenced by the artistic sensibilities of the surrounding regions.

Tibetan artisans introduced motifs such as the lotus flower, dragons, and other Buddhist auspicious animals like dragon, lion, Gaurda, and peacock. The influence of Buddhist iconography is conspicuous in the monasteries like Alchi, Hemis, and Lamayuru, where floral patterns are being carved on ceilings, doors, windows, and altar structures. Additionally, Kashmiri woodworkers brought intricate geometric, floral, and arabesque patterns. The grand Shey and Leh Palace built by Deldan Namgyal and King Sengge Namgyal respectively in the 17th century, features intricately carved balconies, pillars and window frames, representing the similarities to Kashmiri wooden architecture which is considered as melange of both Buddhist and Islamic cultural elements.

The Versatility of the Art

In Ladakh, wood carving is being practiced on a variety of items, ranging from furniture like dining tables, writing desks, tables, and chairs to personal belongings such as jewelry boxes and photo frames and various other pieces of interior décor. The chokste is a unique piece of furniture in Ladakhi homes and monasteries, which is about three by one and a half feet in size. It is usually crafted from softwood, such as poplar, willow, and deodar, and features intricate carvings that are either polished for a natural finish or painted for a more vibrant look. Mostly in the traditional settings, carved woods are painted with five bright colors, which are inextricably associated with the theology of Tibetan Buddhism.

Wood Carving Technique

The process of wood carving demands the time, attention, and ingenious creativity of the artisans. It consists of the following steps:

• Choice of Wood: First of all, carvers make a conscious selection of wood, which is either willow, poplar, or apricot wood, as these are locally or easily available and are also appropriate for the intricate process of carving.
• Process of Designing: Following the selection of wood, the traditional motifs or symbols are being drawn onto the wood.
• Process of Carving: After drawing the design, artisans use knives, chisels, and gouges to carve out intricate patterns. This is a laborious work where artisans work layer by layer to achieve the requisite relief or depth.

Carved Expressions: Exploring Popular Motifs of Ladakh’s Wood Carving

• The Endless Knot (Shrivatsa)

One of the most ubiquitous motifs carved in the wooden art of Ladakh is the Endless Knot (Tibetan: དཔལ་བེའུ་), also known as the “eternal knot,” which is one of the Eight Auspicious Symbols in Buddhism. It stands for the infinite wisdom and compassion of the Buddha. The knot’s design has no beginning or end, signifying the continuous cycle of birth, death, and rebirth on the earth and the interconnectedness of all things in the universe. This motif is often carved on wooden monastery altars, doors, and window panels, At times, it is also complemented with floral patterns as the carved designs of the wood carving tradition of Ladakh.

• Garuda (Khyung)

In Tibetan Buddhist philosophy, Garuda represents wisdom that overcomes delusion, particularly the evil emotion of jealousy and envy. It is the vehicle (vāhana) of Amoghasiddhi Buddha, who carries all-accomplishing wisdom and the ability to discard fear. Unlike in Hindu mythology, where Garuda is associated with Vishnu, in Tibetan Buddhism, he is projected as a protector against nagas (serpent spirits) or enemies on the path to enlightenment. Garuda is mostly shown as one whose upper body looks similar to that of a human, having outstretched wings, sharp eyes, a beak, horns, and bird’s claws. These features stand for strength, bravery, and protection. At Hemis Monastery, one of the most notable Garuda carvings in Ladakh is depicted protecting the entrance, signifying defense against malevolent spirits.

The Ladakhi art of wood carving featuring the sacred symbol of Garuda. (Image Courtesy: D’ Source)

Honoring Craftmanship: The Enduring Legacy of the Craft

Ladakh’s unique art of wood carving is the epitome of its ingenious artistic and cultural heritage. This art form not only augments the beauty of the traditional structures such as monasteries and homes of the general populace, but it also exudes the religiosity of the believers of the land. Tsering Namgyal, a talented woodcraft artist from Hinju village in Ladakh, where wood carving has been a generation-old tradition, was also awarded the Padma Shri in 2022 for his admirable contribution to the preservation of the distinctive art form that defines the region’s identity. Though the inevitable forces of modernization and urbanization are playing their roles, Ladakhis have successfully protected and embraced the art of wood carving in their modern spaces, including hotels and houses. Therefore, in a nutshell, it can be said that because of the concentrated efforts of all the Ladakhis as a whole, the tradition of wood carving would continue to evolve and inspire the art lovers across the world for the centuries to come.

Mr. Tsering Namgyal getting honored with Padma Shri. (Image Courtesy: India Narrative)

References:

Nabard.org. (2022). NABARD – National Bank For Agriculture And Rural Development. [online] Available at: https://www.nabard.org/gi/GIProductDetails.aspx?Id=46[Accessed 24 Feb. 2025].

Sharma, A. (2023). India. [online] Indianarrative. Available at: https://www.indianarrative.com/culture-news/in-a-historic-first-ladakh-wood-carving-gets-a-gi-tag-128086.html[Accessed 24 Feb. 2025].

pratibha (2015). D’source Design Gallery on Wood Carvings. [online] D’Source. Available at: https://www.dsource.in/gallery/wood-carvings[Accessed 24 Feb. 2025].