Cane Furniture - Ernakulam, Kerala
Canes are generally referred to as eeta or chooral especially in Kerala that is one of the state in India. Canes are generally wood like vine which grows up to about hundred feet long, climbs up over most of the things and thrives in the tropical climates. It is generally flexible when it is heated and is also durable.
They are generally described as the coloured length of patterned glass rod that are used for cane working for various purposes like props on stage for regional folk dances, walking sticks, school canes, crutches etc.
In Ernakulam it is mostly the Christian communities who are found involved in making of the cane articles. Articles of cane are made more with plain, twill and in some cases with the hexagonal weave. As per the craftsmen there were lot of patterns which the olden people followed and is reduced to very few or extinct as younger generations are not taking interest in these aspects. It is found that a huge varieties are specially made at this place such as Fishing baskets, Kotta (rough work baskets), Muram (winnowing basket), Furniture, Boats, Roofs, Rocking chairs, Swinging chairs, Walking stick etc.
Furniture’s are made weaving strips around wooden or metal frames to make tables, chairs and sofas. Rattan or cane generally grows like a tree that bends back to the grounds like vines and then like snakes. Canes are generally shaped by peeling the skin of the rattan vine, canes are less porous therefore they are preferred more.
Cane are stronger than bamboo that are most commonly used for binding purpose. These are lightweight and cheaper than the plastic or solid hardwood that can be transported easily with minimal sources. Due to its environmental friendliness and lightweight they are preferred in making musical instruments and martial art weapons.
Generally canes of thick type are generally brought from the Assam, Arunachal Pradesh, Burma, Indonesia are grown by keeping in field for about 10- 60 years to obtain its thickness. Thinner canes are brought from the Wayanad and Kodagu regions of Kerala and Karnataka.
