Wood carving is a timeless art form that varies significantly across regions, reflecting cultural heritage and local traditions. In North America, the most common styles include relief carving, chip carving, and whittling, often seen in folk art and decorative pieces. Relief carving involves creating designs that stand out from a flat background, while chip carving uses geometric patterns. Whittling, a simpler form, is popular for crafting small figures and tools.

In contrast, Europe boasts intricate styles like Scandinavian flat-plane carving, known for its minimalist yet expressive figures, and German-style detailed relief work. Asia showcases elaborate techniques such as Chinese lacquer carving and Japanese Mokuhanga, blending wood carving with other art forms. Africa’s wood carving is deeply symbolic, with masks and statues playing key roles in rituals, while South America features vibrant, colorful carvings influenced by indigenous cultures.

Each continent’s unique approach to wood carving highlights the diversity of this craft, shaped by history, materials, and cultural values. Whether functional or artistic, these styles continue to inspire modern carvers worldwide.