The woodcarving tradition of Chiniot (Punjab) is a renowned craft of excellence in the world. There is a horde of exquisite and meticulously carved design patterns that one witnesses in various woodcarvings from the region, particularly as architectural embellishments. The design formations use a variety of motifs which are components of an indigenous ornamental vocabulary. However, a historical examination reveals that the motifs came from indigenous and foreign sources in lieu of various cultural transitions. This study focuses traces the journey of these motifs and shows their original cultural significance and use leading to the ornamental vocabulary of woodcarving. The study brings to light how migration of motifs takes place across cultures and how the cultural and aesthetic considerations change over time. The findings of the study suggest that the motifs in the ornamental vocabulary of wood carving in Chiniot are a result of diachronic and synchronic movement of cultural and artistic sensibilities.

*Assistant Professor, College of Art & Design, Punjab University, Lahore

**Associate Professor, College of Art & Design, Punjab University, Lahore

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