Answer:

Wood sculpture has been widely practiced, but it does not endure untouched as well as the other principal materials, such as stone and metal, because it is susceptible to deterioration, insect damage, and fire. As a result, it is an essential hidden aspect in many nations' art history.

Outdoor wood sculptures do not remain long in most regions of the world, hence the origins of the totem pole tradition are unknown. Many of the most notable sculptures in China and Japan, in particular, are in wood, as is the vast majority of African, Oceanian, and other regional sculpture. Because wood is light and can accept very fine detail, it is ideal for masks and other sculptures.