carves

Carves may refer to carved works or to the act of carving; in practice, the more common noun is carving. In the arts, carving is a subtractive technique in which material is removed to create form, texture, or ornament.

Common materials include wood, stone, bone, and ivory, with ice and fruit carving as specialized forms in contemporary practice. The choice of material influences the tools and methods used.

Techniques and tools: Carving uses gouges, chisels, knives, and rasps, typically with a mallet for harder materials. Subtypes include relief carving, where the design stands out from a background; and sculpture carved in the round, viewed from all sides. Finishing steps may involve sanding, sealing, oil, wax, or varnish.

History and culture: Carving has ancient roots in many regions, from Stone Age figurines to Gothic wood altarpieces, Chinese jade carving, and Inuit ivory and bone sculpture. In many societies carvers served religious, ceremonial, or decorative functions, and carved objects range from utilitarian utensils to elaborate artworks.

Contemporary context: Today carving persists in traditional crafts, education, and fine art, with street and festival forms like ice and fruit carving; digital technologies influence planning but the craft remains hands-on. Carved objects can be valued for craft skill, aesthetic, cultural symbolism, and provenance.