Coconut Shell

Coconut shell is one of the hardest materials used for carving. It is one of the most popular crafts in Kerala as coconut trees are found in abundance in Kerala. A high level of skill is required for coconut shell carving. The items manufactured out of coconut shells include cups, flower vases, snuff boxes, sugar basins, nut bowls, powder boxes and spoons. There are brass-broidered coconut shell articles which are very attractive. This craft is mostly concentrated in Kozhikode district.

The shells are cut into proper sizes or shapes by using a handsaw. Specially made chisels are used for carving the shells. Often hookas and large vases are also made by combining coconut shells with brass bindings. Coconut fibre is cleaned, smoothed and made into various dolls and toys with beads and coloured threads to it go give it a decorative appearance. The process followed by the artisan to make a cup, for instance, is to rub the outer surface of the shell with steel wool and then smoothed the inner part with a chisel. A circular base and handle made with shell are attached to the cup with screws. The first coat of polish is boot polish, after which a final coat of French polish is given. Ever since the Arabs took interest in the brass broidered coconut shell hookahs, the trade had maintained a certain continuity.