What cultural taboos exist around using teak for certain types of figurative sculptures?

Teak wood, prized for its durability and beauty, is widely used in carving, but certain cultural taboos restrict its use in figurative sculptures. In some Southeast Asian cultures, teak is avoided for religious statues due to its historical association with royalty or sacred spaces, making it inappropriate for depicting deities. In parts of India, teak may be avoided for Hindu idols as it’s considered too "worldly" compared to sanctified materials like sandalwood. Buddhist traditions in Myanmar and Thailand sometimes prohibit teak for Buddha images, preferring more spiritually resonant woods. Additionally, some indigenous communities avoid carving ancestral figures from teak, believing it may disrupt spiritual harmony. These taboos reflect deep cultural and religious values tied to material symbolism.