Making of Kanghi - Himachal Pradesh
The reeds are made using cane strips. The cane is cut to the required length so that it can accommodate around 200/250 reeds along the length of the cane. The cane is split exactly in the center using a handle-held sickle. Similarly, two cane of equal length is split into two. Between the split canes, the small ribs of wood are placed, acting as dents, creating space for the threads to pass through. These ribs between canes are secured in place using twisted yarn and tied together. These yarns not only secure them in place which also acts as a spacer between the dents. The space between the dents is where the threads pass through. The ribs for the dents are made using the cane by splitting into small strips and shaving them evenly to the required size. The artisan has a template for the dent's exact length, and every dent is measured using this template and cut to size. Once in a while, the artisan uses a metal strip, inserts them between the split canes, and taps to reduce the gap between the wooden ribs. Once the required number of dents are placed between the split canes, the artisan ties the split ends and secures them in place.
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