COCONUT SHELL HANDICRAFT

1. SYNOPSIS

Introduction:

In India, almost every part of the coconut and the tree are used for various purposes. It is no
surprise that the Sanskrit word of coconut means ‘kalpavriksha’, which means ‘the tree that
provides life’.

Coconut shell craft is a popular craft in Kerala as

coconut trees are found in abundance here. Coconut
shells, once discarded for no use, are now a greatly
demanded raw material for many products. A high
degree of skill is required for carving coconut shell as it
is hard. Coconut shells are used in the handicraft
industry that is used in handicraft industries to make
unique pieces of art and utilities. The common products
are cups, flower vases, snuff boxes, sugar basins, nut
bowls, powder boxes and spoons etc and also products
Fig 1- Decorative hangings from coconut
decorated with brass, which are in great demand shell handicraft

Coconut shell handicrafts are one of the main eco-friendly products that are available in the
market. The beautiful outer texture of coconut shells makes it unique and admirable. The main
centres of production in Kerala are located in Thiruvananthapuram and Kozhikode districts.
(craftmarg.org, indisutras.com, dsource.in)

Aim:

To study about the art of coconut shell handicraft and the processes involved in its making.

Objective:

• To study about the origin of coconut shell craft.

• To understand the process of making coconut shell crafts.
• To understand the livelihood of the people involved in coconut shell crafts.

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• To collect information about the products value in market and society.

Methodology:

TOPIC SELECTION

PRIMARY DATA SECONDARY DATA

WORKERS, INTERNET, JOURNALS

ARTISANS BOOKS, VLOGS

DATA COLLECTION

ANALYSIS AND CONCLUSION

Limitations:

• Limited access to primary data due to inaccessibility of location.

• Constrained time frame
• Lack of reliable date

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2. LITERATURE REVIEW

History
The history of coconut shell handicrafts remains blurry. It is believed that it has been
practiced since the earliest of mankind. It is said that the craft of making things out of
coconut shell originated from Iraq.

The making of coconut shell crafts is mostly practiced in parts of India where coconut can be
found throughout the place. Kerala is one such a place.

In ancient times, craft objects from coconut shell were initially made by coconut farmers.
They would scoop the copra and use the shell to serve household needs. However, through
the times and with advance tools, people started designing various utility and other decorative
products by cutting coconut shell or by carving coconut wood. (gaatha.org, dsource.in)

Fig 2- Spice holder from coconut shell Fig 3- Spoons made from coconut shell

Origin of coconut shell handicraft

The Sanskrit word of coconut is ‘kalpavriksha’, which
means ‘the tree that provides life’. The coconut palms
mostly grow on saline soil near beaches and tropical
habitats. Authorities claim that the coconut palm tree
became popular from the Southeast Asian region, while
another theory suggests its origin in the North-West of Fig 4- A coconut field
indisutras.com

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South America. It is also claimed that the wood carving craftsmen from the Middle East and
Persia were the first ones to develop the trend of carvings on coconut shells. Marco Polo
describes the nut “of the size of man’s head, containing, an edible substance that is sweet and
pleasant to the taste and white as milk. The cavity of this pulp is filled with a liquor clear as
water, cool and better flavoured and more delicate than wine or any other kind of drink
whatever”. (gaatha.org, indisutras.com)

Fig 4- Pile of dried coconut Fig 5- Coconut Shell

Historical Background
“KERALA” as the name suggest the same of the state Kerala itself derived from the name of
coconut (Kera). In one of the earliest essays in scientific geography Topographia Christina of
the 6th Century A.D., in that Cosmas refers to ‘Argellia’, which means is an erroneous
translation of GI Journal No.7790, November 30, 2015 the term "Nalikeram" or "Narikelam"
in Sanskrit. The inescapable allusion indicates
that Kerala would have received the coconut
palm somewhere between the first and sixth
centuries A.D.Varthema, Barbosa, Barros and
Garcia use the Malayalam term ‘Thenga’ for
coconut. Also, Marco Polo describes coconut
as the nut “of the size of man’s head,
containing, an edible substance that is sweet
Fig 6- Coconut trees in Kerala
and pleasant to the taste and white as milk. The spiceflair.com

pulp's cavity is filled with a drink that is "clear as water, chilled, and more flavourful and
delicate than wine or any other form of drink whatsoever.". The coconut tree and its produce
formed the wealth of Kerala for ages is undisputed. (wikipedia.org)

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Features
Coconut shell offers an eco-friendly and 100% natural product for a variety of uses. With no
polish and no chemicals used, it is a durable, waterproof material with zero wastage of
materials. As a sustainable product, coconut shell itself is naturally strong, lightweight and can
be easily carried. This makes it a highly potential material with low cost, making it a great
renewable material. Not only that, but it can be used to decorate and beautify any space, making
it a great choice for home decor. It has a natural appeal and is a great choice for those looking
for an environmentally friendly option for their home. Its natural properties make it a great
choice for those looking for an economical and sustainable material for their home.
(livingartlife.com)

Fig 7- Pot Fig 8- Coconut shell fountain Fig 10- Coconut shell candle
loopify.world etsy.com etsy.com

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3. THE MAKING

Materials
Coconut Shell is the basic raw material that is needed for making of the handicraft. Coconut
shell is the toughest component covered in coconut fruit. The coconut shell is situated between
the coconut flesh and the coconut husk. This shell is
usually designed to cover the inner portion of the
coconut. Shell is used for the development of various
handicrafts and other applications. Many handmade
decoration items are produced by using coconut
shells because of their strength. Coconut shells are
also used to produce charcoal, which is used as food,
and this coconut charcoal is much stronger than
Fig 11- Coconut shell with fibre
other charcoals. (jacobi.net) etsy.com

Tools
A hacksaw blade is essential when it comes to cutting coconut shells. An emery sheet is then
used in order to smoothen the outer surface. To ensure that the surface is completely smooth,
a buffing machine can be used. To carve the coconut shell into the desired shape, a bastard
file is then used. A hammer, with its heavy metal head mounted, can be used to beat the
coconut shell repeatedly. To complete the product, a quick adhesive can be used to stick
various articles to the coconut shell. Wood polish is then applied to give the coconut shell a
wood finishing, and finally a sleek glossy top coat is used to give the final product a glossy
effect. With this comprehensive list of tools, the coconut shell can be transformed into a high-
quality product. (dsource.in)

Fig 12- Hacksaw Blade Fig 13- Emery sheet Fig 14- Buffing machine
amazon.in moglix.com ubuy.co.in

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Fig 15- Bastard File Fig 16- Hammer Fig 17- Quick Adhesive
amazon.in asianpaints.com amazon.in

Fig 18- Wood polish Fig 19- sleek glossy top coat
amazon.in indiamart.com

Processes and Techniques

The process of coconut crafts involves sketching, cutting,
sanding, and buffing to create the finished product. The process
involved in sourcing the coconut shell for the finished product
has undergone drastic changes.
Initially, hand tools were used to
Fig 20- Technique
carve, cut, and finish the edges.
With the advent of machines, there are lathe machines that
have replaced all the hand tools. The process is much faster.
Fig 21- Technique

Initially, the artisan begins by cutting off the coconut shell

with a band-saw to reveal the interior of the coconut and
Scoop out the flesh of the coconut with a chisel. It should be
dry and easy to remove. At each stage, sanding is done to

Fig 22- Technique

make the surface smooth. Finally buffing is done for the

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inside surface in case of a hollow product or serving bowl.

The edges of the coconut shell are made smooth by filing or
by sanding with sandpaper. This process is followed
repeatedly till the finish is satisfactory. The outer surface of
the shell is cleaned using a buffing machine and then the
inner part of the shell is smoothened. Using a bastard file,
Fig 23- Technique
. then half sliced shell is carved into the required design.

A hacksaw blade is essential when it comes to cutting coconut

shells. An emery sheet is then used in order to smoothen the
outer surface. To ensure that the surface is completely
smooth, a buffing machine can be used. To carve the coconut
shell into the desired shape, a bastard file is then used. A
hammer, with its heavy metal head mounted, can be
Fig 24- Technique
used to beat the coconut shell repeatedly. To complete the
product, a quick adhesive can be used to stick various articles
to the coconut shell. Wood polish is then applied to give the
coconut shell a wood finishing, and finally a sleek glossy top
coat is used to give the final

Fig 25- Technique

product a glossy effect.
With this comprehensive list of tools, the coconut shell can
be transformed into a high-quality product, carved into the
required design. Once the shell is given a design it is when
they start working on the base part of the instant stick
Fig 26- Technique
holder by cutting the small circle out of the coconut shell. To
make the base part of the instant stick holder initially they
clean the outer and inner surface of the coconut shell using a
buffing machine and emery sheet. Once the surface is cleaned
circle kind metal tool is hammered placing
over the center coconut shell.
Fig 27- Technique

After a shape is cut out, the edges are made smooth by filing or by sanding
with sandpaper. The base part of the Incense holder is then made into holes
Fig 28- Technique

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by piercing with the chisel. Once all parts of the incense

holder are carved out it is then fixed using quick adhesive. It
is then polished using wood polish. Alternatively, if a
glossy finish is desired, it is given a coat of synthetic
varnish. If the surface is to have a dark finish, then it is
painted before the varnish coat is applied. The inside of
Fig 29- Technique
the object in this case is first rubbed with sandpaper to get the desired smoothness and then it
is buffed on the machine. (dsource.in)

Fig 30- Technique Fig 31- Technique

PRODUCTS MADE FROM CRAFT

• Bowls
Bowls of different types and shapes can be made from coconut shell which can be
used in our homes for serving food, such as salads, fruits, snacks or even soups and it
can also be used to store things like spices, etc. The coconut shell bowls are known
for their natural and rustic appearances.

Fig 32- Coconut shell bowl Fig 33- Coconut shell bowl Fig 34- Spices holder
indiamart.com indiamart.com keralatravels.com

• Cups
Cups are also made from coconut shells in different shapes and design which are used
as a drinking vessel for water and various beverages in homes, hotels, etc. Coconut
shell cups are lightweight and eco-friendly alternatives to plastic cups.

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Fig 35- Coconut shell cups Fig 36- Coconut shell cups
thengacoco.com theindiacrafthouse.com

• Pots and Vases

Pots and vases are also made from coconut shell which can be used to grow plant, etc.
which is then hanged or kept somewhere to design the interior of houses and other
buildings.

Fig 37- Coconut shell pots Fig 38- Coconut shell pots Fig 39- Coconut shell pots
meryakicrafts.com store.greatergood.com rainforestbowls.com

• Stands and holders

Pen-holders, phone-stands and many such accessories are also made from coconut
shells.

Fig 40- Pen-holder Fig 41- Phone-stand

brahmaputrafables.com indiamart.com

• Lampshade
Coconut shells are also used to make beautiful lampstands.

Fig 42- Lampshade

tradekorea.com
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• Spoons
A coconut shell spoon is crafted by shaping and smoothing a small piece of coconut
shell. It can be used for serving condiments, sauces, or small portions of food.
Coconut shell spoons are often combined with coconut shell bowls for a matching set.
(chat.openai.com)

Fig 43- Spoons Fig 44- Spoons

ikiru.in sahyadale.com

• Decorative items
Coconut shell is also used to make many items which are used to design the buildings
and also give the building a visually appealing look due to its beautiful texture and
colour. So it is made into different decorative items to decorate the place.

Fig 45- Bird Nest Fig 46- Hangings Fig 47- Hangings
loopify.world loopify.world etsy.com

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4. TRENDS

Present Scenario

Nowadays due to the sustainable development goals and the promotion of sustainable products,
the craft is slowly gaining popularity.

Impact on the society

Coconut shell craft is used to make every product out of it not only eco-friendly but is also
durable despite being light in weight. Recently, it can be observed that there is an increase in
awareness to use green and sustainable projects.

Coconut shells initially were used as a flammable material for outdoor stove fire. But as this
craft form got soon established and started flourishing in this state, the usage of coconut shells
also changed. At present, this craft is used to make different types of items like desk-top
accessories, lifestyle products like paperweights, serving bowls, mobile stands, etc.
(gaatha.org)

Fig 48- Coconut as flammable Fig 49- Crafted items

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5. COMMERCIALISATION

Contribution to tourism
As discussed above one of the main targets of the coconut
shell handicraft industry is the tourism industry. The
coconut shell products have been one of the symbols of
the cultural and natural heritage of Kerala. These
products symbolize state and so that the tourists will buy
the product as a souvenir from the place or as a gift for
Fig 50- Tourists buying coconut shell
their friends or loved ones. handicrafts

Foreign Export
The exporting and marketing of coconut shell products to foreign countries ensures more
opportunities for the local craftsmen. The government is also helping in this by conducting
seminars and promoting the handicrafts with brand images.

Branding and Marketing

Creating a brand value is one of the biggest issues faced by the local craftsmen. The
government is conducting various programmes to give training to the local craftsmen and
make them aware about the marketing strategies. Creating unique products attract the buyers.
Products that are difficult to copy always have a high demand in the market. It is also
important for the craftsmen to know the trends of the market and make products according to
the trend.

Promoting the product is also important in marketing. The tourists will be interested in
knowing the history and background of the handicraft. The craftsmen can explain to the
customers about the role of coconut in the life of the people in Kerala, how the handicraft is
made and what materials are used in production, about the importance and uses of the
products, etc. They can also give attractive packages for the product.

Upliftment of weaker sections

Although some people are making coconut shell products as a hobby or passion, there are
many families who depend on this handicraft for their livelihood. Making coconut shell

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products costs them less making charges as the main products, coconut shell is available in
huge amount in Kerala. The main target of these small scale workers are the large scale
business people, the local people, the local tourists from different parts of the country and the
international tourists.

Product and price survey

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6. ISSUES AND CHALLENGES

• Lack of Availability of good quality shell

The making of coconut shell products requires coconuts with good hardness,
durability and greater capacity for absorption and retention. Unavailability of these
good quality raw materials are one of the main challenges in the industry.
• Issues faced by artisans
▪ Lack of support
There is less number of museums and handicrafts display centre. So, the craftsmen
cannot display their talents to the public and tourists. This makes them less known
and less exposed.
▪ Low income or profit
When the marketing is not happening, the income will also be less. Also similar
products are available in cheaper price which are made by plastic and other
materials. People are also loosing interest in buying these kinds of products giving
high costs.

Fig 51- Coconut shell craftsmen Fig 52- Coconut shell craftsmen
indisutras.com researchgate.net

Fig 53- Coconut shell craftsmen

news.cn

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7. APPENDIX

QUESTIONNAIRE
1. Why do you do this handicraft?
My father used to do this to earn a livelihood and now I also do this to earn a livelihood.
2. How long have you been doing this profession and how did you learn it?
I have been doing this for the past 15 years. I inherited this from my father. We all used
to help him in making these and learned it step by step like that. But now I took this as
my profession because I couldn’t get another job.
3. How much profit or income are you able to make from this?
8000/- to 10000/- rupees a month approximately.
4. How is the demand for your product in market and who are your main customers?
The demand for the product was always low. Only the tourists are mainly attracted by
our product. The main market for our products is from tourist spots and we also sell
products across the nation through online platforms.
5. What are the challenges you face in this profession?
The main challenge is lack of customers. Since the same products are available and of
other materials, people go for them because it is cheap but we can’t sell this for that
amount because making our products takes enough time and requires great amount of
hardwork.
6. How do you think this can be solved?
I think these products are good for the environment and so the government should take
measures for the marketing and sales of the products so that the nature can also be
protected and it also helps safeguard our ancient traditions.
7. Do you get any support from your family and friends?
Yes, all members of my family help me in my work. My friends help me in marketing
and finding customers for my products.
8. Are you able to raise your living standards from this?
No the profit I make from this is only enough to fulfil my daily needs.
9. Are you satisfied/happy with your profession?
Yes, I am happy to do this profession and I enjoy it. But I don’t think this will be
sufficient always to fulfil my needs.

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Bibliography
https://www.dsource.in/resource/coconut-shell-craft-alleppey-kerala

https://www.indisutras.com/2021/04/05/coconut-shell/

https://gaatha.org/Craft-of-India/coconut-shell-craft-wayanad-karala/

https://asiainch.org/article/coconut-shell-craft/

https://www.craftmark.org/cms/public/uploads/1595674637.pdf

https://livingartlife.com/this-story-behind-coconut-shell-crafts-will-amaze-you-forever/

References
https://experiencekerala.in/kerala-tourism-blog/

https://www.ecofreshdesigns.art/2023/04/the-fascinating-history-of-coconut.html

https://craftia.in/coconut-handicrafts

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