Kathputli
• Tools:
Tools used in making of puppets are:
Basola (Hammer):
Hammers of different types are used at different stages of the making process. Big head hammers are used while carving the face and small head hammers are used for nailing.
Chorsi (Chisel):
Chisels of different shapes and sizes are used. Flat and big chisels are used for basic carving of the wood. Flat and small chisel are used to carve out the intricate portions like eyes, nose, ears etc. Round headed chisels are used for further intricate carving.
Sui (Needle):
For stitching women need needle. Needles ranging from small (1 inch) to big (4 inch) are used according to the requirement.
Sewing Machine:
For better finish and faster work performance artisans are now using hand operated sewing machines.
Scissor:
For cutting clothes, for making strings etc. artisans use scissors.
Files:
Small wooden files are used for finishing the face.
Aari (Hand Saw):
Small hand saw is used for cutting wood
Koochi (Brush):
Applying basic coat on the puppet women in the family mainly use koochi. These are made out of palm leaves.
Paint Brush:
Eyes, mouth and other fine detailing are done by paint brush. These brushes are bought from the stationary shops.
Whet Stone:
This is used for sharpening the tools.
• Raw Material:
Puppet making involves several kind of material which together make beautiful lively puppet.
Following are the raw materials used to make these puppets:
Wood:
Wood is used to make the face and the upper body of the puppet and therefore it is the most basic raw material in the process of puppet making. Artisans use seasoned Aardu wood or mango wood. Aardu wood is soft, light and low cost which makes it more preferred over mango wood. The wood is brought from the local market at a rate of Rs. 500- Rs. 600/Quintal. By using cutting machine the big logs are cut into small pieces of 7-8 inch length.
Decorative Clothes:
Artisans make two types of puppets- one is for selling and one which is used for performances. The puppets made for performance are decorated with highly ornamented new cloth. These cloths are brought from katla (place where cloths are sold).
Old Cloths:
Puppets which are made for selling are adorned with used and old cloths like sarees, and other materials. These cut piece are bought from the tailors.
Gotta (Ribbon):
Puppets are ornamented with bright shining gottas which are brought from the local market. The price ranges from Rs. 10/meter to Rs. 200/meter depending on the quality.
Paint:
The face of the puppets are painted with synthetic colors. Artisans use paints to paint the face. Main colors used in painting are White (for base of the face and eyes), Red (lips and Bindi for women) and Black (for eyebrows, hair and eyes)
Jewelry:
Small jewelries are used to decorate the puppets. These jewelries are made using beads, chains and different small shining bright items. The women of the house specially make these jewelries according to the need.
Chaan (Waste rags):
These are the brown colored waste rags which are used to fill the puppets. They are brought from the rug factories at a rate of Rs. 10- Rs. 20/Sack.
Nails:
Most of the jewelry, cloth, strings etc. are fixed to the puppet with the help of nails. Small nails with broad heads are used which are brought from the local hardware shop.
Thread:
Strong threads are used to stich the cloths of the puppets and also to make the strings.
Waste Cotton:
Cotton is used as fillers
Regmaal (Sand paper):
Sand paper is used to smooth/polish the surface of the face. Generally, 60 and 100 number Regmaal is used to finish the surface.
