Tools used in processing and creating bamboo products are predominantly the one used for wood. Since there are no specific tools for bamboo therefore these machines are not accurate and create a lot of wastage. The sliver machine used to slice the bamboo is unable to cut bamboo according to the grains direction. Thus the grains are cut in between and therefore it reduces the strength. For this reason artisans prefer to use hand tools to work on bamboo.
Different types of tools used are:
• Kati (Small Knife)
• Andhra Kati (Big Knife)
• Katrika (Scissors)
• Tepupadi/ Pallaga (Sharpening wood)
• Hand planners
• Hex saw machine
• Hand drills
• Large containers for boiling
• Sewing machine
• Frame loom
• Measuring tape
• Fevibond
• Sandpaper – 80, 100 and 120
• River stone
• Plainer
• Hand Cutter
• Paint Brushes
• Clear Varnish
• Wax Polish
Raw Materials:
The major raw material for this craft is bamboo and reed. Bamboo is locally called as Mula and reed is called as Ets/ Oda in Malayalam. There are 25 varieties of bamboos found and used in the Wayanad districts. There are few varieties of reed, which are only found in Wayanad for e.g. Oclandra scriptoria. These bamboos and reeds are grown in forest, homesteads or nursery. Homesteads are small areas on the lands of small farmers where some bamboo is grown for their own use. These bamboos are maintained and stand well as it is considered a part of the capital asset. The farmer family uses most of the harvest and only a minor part is sold on the local market. Bamboos from homesteads rarely reach the formal market.
Bamboo takes 5-6 years to attain maturity though every year new shoots arises from the base. Maximum life of bamboo is 30-35 years thereafter the flowering starts. Bamboos cannot be used once they start flowering. URAVU buy bamboos/ reeds directly from the farmers or for some specific variety they depend on the other government agencies. Bamboos are bought as poles at a rate of Rs. 10-15 per pole.
Various bamboos found in Wayanad are as follows:
Bambusa Vulagaris Green, Bambusa Vulgaris Yellow, Dendrocalamus Giganteus, Thyrsostachys Siamensis, Guadua Angustifolia, Malocanna Baccifera, Bambusa Var. Wamin, Pseudo Oxytenanthera, Ochlandra Travancoria, Dendrocalamus Asper, Ochlandra Scriptoria, Dendrocalamus Longispathus, Dendrocalamus Strictus, Bambusa Balcooa, Bambusa Vulagris var. Wamin, Bambusa Tulda, Bambusa Multiplex, Dendrocalamus Brandisii.
Apart from this various other raw materials are used to make bamboo, furniture, weaving, jewelry etc.
• Nool (Thread):
Cotton or nylon threads are used for weaving. The sizes can vary as per the requirement. Cotton thread is used in the curtains to be used in the interior doors and windows whereas nylon thread is used in the curtains for exterior use, as they are exposed to water and sunlight directly.
• Natural Colors:
Various colors are extracted from natural sources to be used in coloring the bamboo as per the requirement.
• Chemical Colors:
Several colors are used t paint the curtains and other product to enhance the beauty.
• Boric and Borax Powder:
These are used to treat the plant in order to prevent fungal and borers attacks.
