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<p>Assam had a long tradition of woodcarving, involving painting the carvings with mineral pigments and herbal dyes, popularly known as Hengul-Hāitāl painting, in a way that protects the wood from termites, fungus, and humidity, while imparting exquisite, lasting colors to the carvings. Due to the widespread use of synthetic paints, this cultural practice is almost disappearing. However, there are hundreds of centuries-old woodcarvings of various Vaishnavite deities and utility items of various kinds in Vaishnavite institutions such as Satras and Namghars, as well as in individual possessions. These heritage woodcarvings are now being damaged due to natural wear and tear in the harsh climatic conditions of Assam. Here we present a study, including piloting, of a proposed scientific method for the restoration of such woodcarvings, based on the traditional method of their preparation. It has been shown that the present scientific restoration method, involving mending, primer coating, repainting with <i>Hengul-Hāitāl</i> pigments, and finally varnishing in traditional ways, allows the restored woodcarvings to be preserved in ordinary rural settings of <i>Namghars</i> and <i>Satras</i>. The study also revealed interesting traditional knowledge in the woodcarving culture of traditional painting.</p>

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Restoration of traditional woodcarvings with Hengul-Haital painting in rural setting

  • 期刊论文

  • 发表日期：

    2026年7月17日

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  • Asadulla Asraf Ali,
  • Robin Kumar Dutta

摘要

Assam had a long tradition of woodcarving, involving painting the carvings with mineral pigments and herbal dyes, popularly known as Hengul-Hāitāl painting, in a way that protects the wood from termites, fungus, and humidity, while imparting exquisite, lasting colors to the carvings. Due to the widespread use of synthetic paints, this cultural practice is almost disappearing. However, there are hundreds of centuries-old woodcarvings of various Vaishnavite deities and utility items of various kinds in Vaishnavite institutions such as Satras and Namghars, as well as in individual possessions. These heritage woodcarvings are now being damaged due to natural wear and tear in the harsh climatic conditions of Assam. Here we present a study, including piloting, of a proposed scientific method for the restoration of such woodcarvings, based on the traditional method of their preparation. It has been shown that the present scientific restoration method, involving mending, primer coating, repainting with Hengul-Hāitāl pigments, and finally varnishing in traditional ways, allows the restored woodcarvings to be preserved in ordinary rural settings of Namghars and Satras. The study also revealed interesting traditional knowledge in the woodcarving culture of traditional painting.