Coconut Shell, Kerala
The making process involves various steps. The ripe/matured coconuts are collected which are grown in and around firms or sometimes coconuts are purchased from the farmers. The skilled artisan selects the proper well shaped coconut shell according to the required pattern of the article to be carved. The collected coconuts are scraped out and the surface of the shell is cleaned to make it smooth. The shell is then cut into desired shape and size of the article to be prepared. The stencils are made and the shape is cut out with the help of bow blades. Once the shape is cut, the edges are smoothened by filing process. This process is done repeatedly until the finish is adequate. Drilling is done to make the small holes if required and then the different parts are made separately and stick using strong adhesive fevikwik/fevicol. Then the article is carved and designs are engraved. Finally the polishing is done using bee-wax and it is coated with synthetic varnish to create the glossy texture. The finished product is dried under the sunlight.
