Chootashi: Persian handicraft

Chootashi or wood craving is an ancient Persian handicraft indigenous to the Iranian northern province of Mazandaran.

The word consists of two parts, ‘Choo’ and ‘Tashi’. A Choo is a short form of Choob or wood, and a Tashi or Tarashi is carving.

Chootashi is the art of carving wood to make tools and utensils that are used in daily life.

A plentiful and diverse supply of wood in the jungle of Tabarestan, which is the old name for Mazandaran, has enabled wooden objects to be made throughout history.

Wood pieces from trees such as maple, beech, oak, walnut and elm are used in this craft.

Various cities in Mazandaran practice this art/craft, including Noor, Chamestan, Amol, Babol, Savadkuh, Sari, Behshahr and Neka.  

In the past, people invited itinerant or non-itinerant Chootashi crafters to make the objects they desired in their homes. Until the job was completed, they were treated warmly.

The products made by this art have also religious significance as Chootashi crafters gave their best or first products to their villages' holy shrines to bring blessings to their lives.

After a prayer was answered, they donated a carved utensil to the shrine.

MM/AG