Saraswathi Veena Making
Different types of tools and raw materials are used for making Veena. Jackfruit wood is used as a basic raw material for the veena making purpose. Jackfruit trees are abundantly available in Tanjore region. The initial or the base parts are made by the expert artisans. The different parts of the wood are attached by the locally made adhesive. Wood/Saw dust is also used to cover the gaps in between. Lac work is beautifully made on the product to give an elegant look at the end of the process. The miniature designs are attractively carved by chiseling which gives a rich look to the product.
List of tools and raw materials used:
• Jackfruit Wood: The basic raw material for making Veena.
• Chisels and Hammers: These are used in carving different types of designs.
• L’ shaped Scale: This scale helps in marking and measuring the motifs.
• Wood Husk, Fevicol and Yellow Colour Powder: These are mixed into a paste and applied to the Veena to cover the cracks.
• Lac Colours: Lac is used in inlay work.
• Bee Wax and Coal Powder: Wax and coal powder are used to make the base for the brass metal frets.
• Gum Benzoin: This is melted and mixed with colour powder to obtain lac colour which is inlayed on the plastic sheet.
• Buffing Machine: This machine is used to smoothen the surface of wood and make it even.
• Drilling Tool: Tool which is manually operated.
• Pegs and Knobs: These are attached to the Veena to which strings are tied for tuning purposes.
• Brass and Steel Strings: Brass and Steel strings are attached to the Veena through which music is produced.
• Sandpaper and Files: These are used to smoothen the surface of the wood.
