Bhoota

A towering wooden figure with the head of a bull and the body of a human stands sentinel in a shrine near Udupi, Karnataka—one of the many Bhoota figures central to the spirit-worship traditions of coastal Karnataka. Bhoota figures, or “Bhoota kola” icons, are traditional Indian craft objects carved mainly in Dakshina Kannada and Udupi, with some presence in Uttara Kannada. These sculptures represent nature spirits, or “bhootas,” believed to protect villages, cattle, and crops in exchange for ritual propitiation.

Bhoota cults have roots in ancient animist worship, predating many Hindu practices in the region. They are especially prevalent among Tulu-speaking communities, including the Thulu, Parava, Pambada, Kopala, Nalke, and Panara castes, as well as Mangalore’s fishing communities. Worship typically involves rituals and performances rather than permanent icons; the figures, while present in temple spaces, do not play a direct role in ceremonies but serve as reminders of the spirits’ presence.

Artisans carve Bhoota figures from untreated jackfruit wood (“halsa”), shaping anthropomorphic or zoomorphic forms and painting them in vivid colors. Some figures stand over four meters tall and may be adorned with beaded headgear or garlands. The craft is hereditary, with skills passed down through generations, especially in places like Basrur and Mekkekattu near Udupi, where notable shrines are found.

Today, only a few artisan families continue the tradition, supplying figures for shrines and collectors. The National Crafts Museum in Delhi houses a major collection, highlighting the craft’s cultural importance and variety—from animal-headed deities to hybrid spirits.

Bhoota figures are unique for their blend of folk belief, ritual function, and sculptural artistry. Unlike most temple icons, they are not objects of daily worship but serve as intermediaries between humans and spirits, embodying local myths and social structures. Their bold forms and vivid iconography distinguish them within Indian craft.

image source: National Crafts Museuem