Creating Tree Carvings - Types of Trees
Tree Carvings are created by stripping the outer layer of bark from a tree and carving, or etching, an image on the lighter, softer bark on the under surface. The types of trees suitable for tree carvings include:
- Aspen trees
- Birch Trees
- Beech Trees
These types of trees have a smooth bark and possess a light color that makes a ready made canvas for carving.
Tree Carvings - Terminology
Tree art and in particular tree carvings are referred to by modern archaeologists as Culturally Modified Trees (CMT's). Terminology used in relation to culturally modified trees and tree carvings are as follows:
- Arborglyphs: Carvings on trees. From the Latin word 'arbor' meaning tree and 'glyphic' meaning to carve
- Arborgraphs: Paintings on trees. From the Latin word 'arbor' meaning tree and derived from Pictograph from the Latin word 'pictus' meaning painted and the French word 'graphie' meaning to carve
- Dendroglyphs: Another name for tree carvings, associated with New Zealand tree art. From the Greek word 'dendron' meaning tree and 'glyphic' meaning to carve
- Silvaglyphs: From Latin 'silva' meaning forest trees and 'glyphic' meaning to carve and often used to describe tree carvings of historical and cultural importance
Tree Carvings
- Native American Tree Carvings
- Materials used to create Tree Carvings
- History of Tree Carvings and their purpose
- Words and terminology associated with tree carvings
- Examples of Tree Carvings
- Native American Indian art and culture
Pictures and Videos of Native Americans
Discover the vast selection of pictures which relate to the History of Native Americans and illustrate many decorations and tattoos used by American Indians. The pictures show the clothing, tattoos, war paint, weapons and decorations of various Native Indian tribes that can be used as a really useful educational history resource for kids and children of all ages and a means to study their interpretation. We have included pictures to accompany the main topic of this section - Native American Art. The videos enable fast access to the images, paintings and pictures together with information and many historical facts. All of the articles can be accessed via the Native Indian Tribes Index.