The Scientific Conservation of Wooden Sculptures and Architectural Members at Siva Temple, Peruvanam, Thrissur District

Abstract

Wood is a major form of construction material all around the world, wood is a part of our eco-system, easily available in different forms and varieties, and a reliable material irrespective of climatic variations. Kerala is rich in terms of tropical forests and home gardens and trees are considered an integral part of construction activities in Kerala. The Kerala form of temple architecture and traditional house construction has placed wood as their major component for the construction of roofs and sculptures. The temples in Kerala offer some spectacular and rare images carved in Wood. However, the lack of proper maintenance and periodical conservation proves to be a major factor in the destruction of major portions of the wooden components of art and architecture in the temples of Kerala. This paper critically narrates different methods adopted by conservationists in the scientific treatment of Wooden Sculptures adored in the Walls of the Siva Temple, Peruvanam, Cherpu in Thrissur District.