Natungram Wooden Dolls (Kather Putul)

Name: Natungram Wooden Dolls (Kather Putul)
Brand: Producer association pending — see the official GI Journal for authorised users

Registry facts for Natungram Wooden Dolls (Kather Putul)
GI number	GI Registered · 2026
Verified cooperatives	Producer association pending — see the official GI Journal for authorised users
State	West Bengal

About Natungram Wooden Dolls (Kather Putul)

Natungram Wooden Dolls, known as Kather Putul, are hand-carved and brightly painted wooden dolls from Natungram in Purba Bardhaman district, West Bengal. The village is best known for its carved wooden owls, which have become a symbol of Bengali craft, and it also makes other animals, human figures and toys. The dolls are light, colourful and popular as gifts and as home and garden decor.

Heritage and place

Natungram is often described as a village of wooden doll makers, and its craft has gained wider attention through exhibitions and craft fairs. A July 2026 news feature on the recognition followed the story of the Natungram wooden owl to the GI register. The tag recognises the artisans of Natungram, who work from homes and small workshops in the village.

How it is made

Artisans carve figures from blocks of soft, light wood, smooth them with sandpaper and coat them with a base layer. They then paint bright designs by hand, often with bold outlines and patterns, and finish with varnish. Each piece can differ slightly in shape and colour. Soft wood keeps the dolls light, and simple tools keep the craft accessible to families.

Registry record

Natungram Wooden Dolls (Kather Putul) is a Geographical Indication tagged product of West Bengal in the handicrafts category, reported as newly registered in 2026; a confirmed registration number is not yet listed here. The name is legally protected: only producers within the notified region may sell under it. Confirm the entry in the official GI Journal before relying on it commercially.

◈ How to spot a fake Natungram Wooden Dolls (Kather Putul)

What to check

Look for hand-painted detail, small variations between pieces and clean carving without visible glue or rough patches. Moulded or plastic copies look identical and feel wrong in weight. Ask the seller whether the piece was made in Natungram, and buy from artisan groups, the village itself or state emporia. Confirm authorised makers in the GI Journal, since the registration is recent.

General guidance, not the registered specification: look for hand-painted detail, small variations between pieces and clean carving without visible glue. The registration was reported in 2026, so confirm authorised sellers in the GI Journal.

Where to buy

Authorised producers for this recent registration are not yet listed in our dataset. Check the GI Journal entry for authorised users, and prefer government emporia and cooperatives in West Bengal.

Catalogue record

Catalogue record: GI Registered · 2026 · West Bengal · reviewed 2026-10-02

Frequently asked questions

What is the GI registration number of Natungram Wooden Dolls (Kather Putul)?

Natungram Wooden Dolls (Kather Putul) was reported as newly registered in 2026. This catalogue does not yet list a confirmed registration number, so check the official GI Journal for the entry.

Where is Natungram Wooden Dolls (Kather Putul) made?

Natungram Wooden Dolls (Kather Putul) is produced in West Bengal, in the handicrafts category of this catalogue.

Can Natungram Wooden Dolls (Kather Putul) legally be made outside West Bengal?

No. GI protection means only producers within the notified region of West Bengal may legally sell goods under the name “Natungram Wooden Dolls (Kather Putul)”.

How can I spot a fake Natungram Wooden Dolls (Kather Putul)?

General guidance, not the registered specification: look for hand-painted detail, small variations between pieces and clean carving without visible glue. The registration was reported in 2026, so confirm authorised sellers in the GI Journal.