Wood carvings hold immense cultural and artistic value, making their preservation a priority for historians, collectors, and artisans alike. To effectively document and archive their history, consider these best practices:

1. High-Resolution Photography: Capture detailed images from multiple angles, ensuring lighting highlights textures and craftsmanship. Include scale references for size accuracy.

2. Written Descriptions: Record the carving’s origin, artist (if known), materials used, and historical context. Note any symbolic meanings or cultural significance.

3. 3D Scanning: For fragile or intricate pieces, 3D scanning creates digital replicas, allowing study without physical handling.

4. Climate-Controlled Storage: Preserve physical carvings in environments with stable temperature and humidity to prevent deterioration.

5. Digital Archives: Use databases or cloud storage to organize photos, scans, and documents, ensuring easy access and backup.

6. Oral Histories: Interview artists or community elders to capture stories and techniques tied to the carvings.

7. Exhibition and Publication: Share findings through museums, books, or online platforms to educate and engage the public.

By combining these methods, we can safeguard the legacy of wood carvings for future appreciation and research.