Wood carvings have been a universal artistic expression across cultures for centuries, serving as vessels of cultural identity, spiritual beliefs, and storytelling. Among the most prevalent symbols are:

1. The Tree of Life - Found in Norse, Celtic, and Mesoamerican cultures, representing interconnectedness and eternal growth. African carvings often depict baobab trees as symbols of community.

2. Animals as Spirit Guides - Native American totems feature bears (strength), eagles (vision), and wolves (loyalty). Chinese carvings frequently include dragons (power) and phoenixes (renewal).

3. Floral Motifs - Lotus flowers in Asian carvings symbolize purity, while Celtic knotwork vines represent eternity. Scandinavian carvings often feature the oak leaf for endurance.

4. Mythological Figures - Maori carvings showcase ancestral spirits (tiki), while Balinese woodwork depicts Hindu deities like Ganesha (wisdom remover of obstacles).

5. Geometric Patterns - Islamic woodwork avoids figural representation, using intricate arabesques to reflect infinity. African tribal carvings employ zigzag patterns representing life's journey.

6. Protective Symbols - European folk carvings feature the "evil eye" motif, while Pacific Northwest native carvings use thunderbirds as supernatural guardians.

These symbols transcend mere decoration - they encode cultural memory, with techniques and motifs passed down through generations. Contemporary wood artists continue reinterpreting these ancient metaphors, blending tradition with modern aesthetics while preserving their symbolic weight. The universality of certain motifs (like the tree) suggests shared human experiences, while regional variations highlight cultural uniqueness carved in wood.