Antique 19th-Century Tribal Celebration Wall Panel

Hand-Painted Teakwood Art from India | A Living Mural of Ritual, Nature, and Folk Heritage

A Story Carved in Celebration

This remarkable 19th-century teakwood wall panel from rural India is a living narrative of tribal life, devotion, and joy. Hand-carved and painted by village artisans, it depicts a rhythmic folk procession filled with dancers, musicians, and sacred animals that together embody India’s age-old relationship with nature and ritual.

Each figure is alive with motion. Tribal dancers sway in unison, villagers carry offerings, and animals stride alongside them, celebrating the unity of community and the cycle of harvest and worship. Every inch of the carving is touched by artistry and devotion, turning a functional architectural element into a visual poem in wood.

Craftsmanship and Design

Carved from solid old-growth teakwood, this panel has endured the passage of time with strength and grace. Its weathered surface retains traces of natural mineral pigments in ochres, reds, yellows, and greens, softened into a warm patina by more than a century of natural ageing.

The carving is organised into three horizontal registers, each brimming with detail—textiles, jewelry, flora, and fauna — all narrating a celebration of life that once animated the tribal belts of India. Originally, such panels adorned temples, village halls, or festive pavilions, serving as both decoration and storytelling.

Key Features

• Date: Circa 1800s

• Origin: Rural India

• Material: Solid teakwood with natural hand-painted pigments

• Imagery: Dancers, villagers, birds, deer, and sacred animals

• Style: Naïve folk carving with tribal and classical influences

• Finish: Naturally weathered patina with softened colour tones

• Function: Wall-mounted decorative artwork or collector display

Dimensions

• Width: 185 cm

• Height: 49 cm

• Depth: 8 cm

• Weight: Approx. 15 kg

Why This Piece is Special

✔ A rare surviving folk narrative from 19th-century India
✔ Full of symbolic movement, storytelling, and cultural depth
✔ Adds texture, colour, and heritage to modern or rustic interiors
✔ A one-of-a-kind wall sculpture that embodies community spirit

Styling Tip

Display this panel above a console, sideboard, or in a gallery wall setting. It pairs beautifully with earthy materials like linen, brass, and reclaimed wood. In contemporary homes, it becomes a bold statement of authenticity and history—an heirloom that brings warmth and narrative depth to any room.

Delivery and Collection

Available for UK-wide white-glove delivery or local collection by appointment. For international shipping or detailed imagery, please contact Regen Bespoke.

Exclusively at Regen Bespoke. Every carving tells a story of craft, celebration, and heritage.