Vanji Making - Ernakulam, Kerala
Following are the tools and raw materials required to make the Vanji (the traditional boat).
• Wild Jack/ Punna: It is generally the wood preferred for making of the Vanji.
• Coconut Husk: It is used to fill the gaps between the planks of wood.
• Coir Rope: It is used to align together to fill the gaps between the planks of wood.
• Nylon Rope: It is generally used to stitch the filling material in a criss cross manner.
• Wooden Mallet: It is generally used to tighten the rope bundle to the condensed form.
• Uli (Chisel): It is generally used to shape the wood to the required forms.
• Sawing Machine: It is used to cut the wood to the required shapes and sizes.
• Planer: It is used to smooth the surface of wood at various stages.
• Hand Drill: It is used to make holes at the required portions.
• Iron Nails: It is used to place the coir fibers to the holes firmly to avoid any leakages of water.
• Needle: It is used to stitch the fillings together in the gaps.
• Wood Filler/ Putty: It is used to cover the gaps in the wood surface.
