MTW Wood Carving

History of the Wood SpiritThe ancient legends of the Wood Spirit continue to emerge from the swirling vortex of time with each new generation of Storyteller. Most of the people in tribal groups and cultures of the world used to believe in Wood Spirits in one form or another. Many still do. The people believed they lived in the trees that nourish life in the wilderness. The Wood Spirit has always been a symbol of good luck and good fortune to those he travels with on the path of life. Nobody knows when the Wood Spirit Legend began because it was near the beginning of time. Some however, claim it started in Europe where they are also called ‘’Greenman’’ or ‘’Wildman’’ or ‘’Woodwose.

 

Carved wood spirits emerge from all types of wood, including driftwood, pine knots, cottonwood bark and walking sticks. Oddities in the wood can be incorporated into the wood spirit’s face or hair. Wood spirits have the basic features of a person, but they can be exaggerated if desired. Hand or power tools may be used to create those features. The flexibility and creativity involved in designing and carving a wood spirit make it a favorite subject of many wood carvers.