Description

An art that the province of West Bengal, India can vaunt is its coconut shell handicraft items. The place where this outstanding art thrived is in the district of Bankura and gained popularity not only within the province but also at the national and international levels. The coconut shell handicraft came to fruition due to the sudden scarcity of the conch shells during the 80’s. The artists who were engaged in the profession conch shell curving started facing the heat and started looking for alternative ways for sustenance. They saw earning potential in coconut shell handicraft and gradually diverted their attention towards furthering this art form. Their promotion and involvement for developing this handicraft gave this art form a considerable impetus that has a reflection of finely crafted coconut shell items of impeccable quality. The artists make exquisite handicraft items using similar tools that they use for crafting conch shell artworks. The unique art has drawn the attention of many aesthetes nationally as well as internationally who’ve taken quite an interest in this art form. Our artists get training from their elders who’re the exponents of coconut shell handicrafts. Like other traditional art forms of India, in this art too the aspiring artists receive guidance and practical knowledge from the experts who in turn had learnt it from their forefather and this is how this heirloom passes on from one generation to the other.
For crafting articles out of coconut shells, the craft persons use different types of tools and adhesives to give these shells the desired appearance. Hacksaw blades, hammers, bastard files, are used for cutting, shaping and filing; emery papers are used for buffing the shells and smoothening the surface, fast drying adhesive is used for effortless joining and to ensure a strong bonding of the pieces. Finally wood polish and a glossy top coat are used for giving them that silky smooth finish. Some artists also admire the beauty of the coconut shells in their natural state of condition and abstain from using any polish or glossy top coat and they look equally aesthetic as their glossy counterparts. Our artists are adept in crafting some of the finest coconut shell products – from busts of Hindu Gods and Goddesses, the artists make varieties of dolls and various animal and bird forms. They also make decorative wall hangings and beautifully crafted replicas of Hindu temples. Various articles of utility for everyday use are also manufactured by our artists like cups, teapots, bowls and goblets of various sizes, cutlery sets, spice trays, containers and pickle jars, incense stick stands, ashtrays to name a few. In fact the coconut shell artisans have even introduced their spellbinding art to the world of fashion; now they have started manufacturing bangles and ornaments that are gaining popularity the world over for their artistic charm. These products are handmade by our village artists with utmost care and dedication and due to their durability and environment friendly nature, these exclusive coconut shell articles are gaining popularity which has also attracted the attention of the Government of India. The Centre in collaboration with the provincial government is working towards bettering the working condition of our artists and creating more opportunities for them.
These coconut shell items are remarkable gifts for all occasions and since they have an unique and distinctive look, they are appreciated by everyone. Get handcrafted authentic coconut shell products for your home and use them as utility products or decorative showpieces. It’s our firm belief that these products would bring a whiff of fresh air to your interiors that would be cherished and admired by your loved ones.