Wood Carving … Profession of Creativity, Skill

LATTAKIA, (ST) – Despite of its artistic beauty, the number of those who work in the domain of wood carving, which requires the combination of the imagination and ideas of an artist and the techniques and expertise of a carpenter, decreased at present time. Only a handful of artisans still cling to the profession that is facing major challenges after introducing modern technologies to the timber industry in general.

Despite this decrease in this industry, carved wood pieces still maintain their position to some people because it carries charm that is derived from the fragrant nature where others find in them real masterpieces and seek to possess them to decorate their homes.

Abu Mustafa, who was carving on a piece of wood inside his workshop in the neighborhood of Sleiba in Latakia says: ” I inherited this craft from my uncle since 45 years. I am happy that my work depends on art, beauty and taste.”

“The number of those who practice this craft, which needs patience, has dropped. Wood carving is one of the oldest professions, and such works can be seen  in the platforms and doors of mosques,” Abu Mustafa explained.

The wooden utensils are part of the coastal folklore and meet the tourists’ satisfaction. The artisans use wood for the manufacture of decorations, furniture, kitchen utensils such as forks, spoons, pots and pounders where large pieces are manufactured of walnut, whereas the remaining tools are made of apricot wood with gradient colors.

Designs of wood carving need expertise and fully aware of a lot of factors and  familiarity with the characteristics of different types of wood used for the fibers and suitability for designs and studying the various models used to identify the model pieces and convenient design for the intended purpose.

“Wood varies in terms of the use and usability of forming, some of which is open fiber, choppy or subject to twisting or resistance to moisture. Walnut is the best for use in this profession being characterized by hardness, flexibility and the beauty of its fibers. The beech, which combines hardness and softness, is used more for furniture because it is easy to operate and fit for the formation due to the integration of fibers and its light brown color,” Naim Ghalaounji, a shop owner, said.

In addition to the walnut and beech, the artisans use oak because it combines strength and flexibility. It also bears weather conditions and its susceptibility to be smooth. It is ideal for strong designs and fine details while olive suits the carving works of precise details and the poplar is gradient in color from cream to light green and its susceptibility to shocks and scratches while Ghalaounji advised not to use white pine in the works of carving on wood because it has many cracks.

“This industry flourished in Lattakia, especially in the fifties of the last century, pointing out to the existence of many workshops that still work in this industry including wooden souvenirs  such as boxes and icons,” Riad Shoughry, owner of a workshop, said.

 Sh. Khatib