Wood-carving is one of the oldest traditional crafts in Andhra Pradesh and was earlier used to make temple chariots and palace entrances. Teak, rose wood, and country wood are used for this art. A great deal of minute, delicate, and intricate work depicting Hindu mythological stories and figures goes into the creation of these carvings.
In Chittoor district a wood called red sandal wood ( red sanders or raktachandan) which is a deep red-brown hard wood is used. The wood is hard and elastic and resists white ants and fire. The two types of items made are figures of gods and goddesses and dolls in a particular style. The most popular carvings are representations of Lord Venkateswara and of the famous Tirupati temple.
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