GE ELECT 2: INDIGENOUS CREATIVE CRAFTS

MODULE 3
Prepared by:
JALLICA CELIA A. CABELIN, LPT
Instructor

COCONUT SHELL CRAFT

COCONUT PALM TREE

 The term coconut derives from the Spanish and Portuguese word coco, meaning “a grin”, “a monkey face”.
 Cocos nucifera is a scientific term for the coconut tree, or coconut palm.
 Tropics and subtropics are the natural habitats of the plant.
 Also known as “The Tree of life”

Why a COCONUT TREE is called “THE TREE OF LIFE”

The coconut palm is known as the tree of life because it provides some of the basic necessities for humans and its
endless uses. The palm not only provides a source of food and water but is also used for shelter, fuel and raw materials.

The Coconut constitutes a plant that belongs to Palmae family and is widely grown in tropical regions as it needs
proper living environment for its growth and production. Even, for that part of the plant that could be considered as waste,
such as its fiber which is utilized among other uses as “active charcoal”; while the shell is often processed to create
“remarkable art work”.

PARTS OF THE COCONUT TREE AND ITS BENEFITS

1. The Husk
This is the rough exterior of the coconut which is made up of the coir (tough fibers). Back in the days
fiber of coconut is used to make mats, and in some countries, coconut husk is used as floor polisher and brushes
when there wasn’t any scouring pad to wash the dishes, the locals used the coir with sand to clean their pots. It
gave quite a shine to the utensil. For families who could not afford mattresses, the fiber was used as stuffing to
make homemade mattresses. The whole husk is also great as packaging materials for plant, fuel fires and make
toys.

2. The Shell
Before reaching the delicious flesh inside the coconut one has to get through the hard shell. Today this is
mostly thrown away after extracting the flesh. The shell which is quite strong is also used by artisans to create
long-lasting handicrafts. It also produces fashion accessories like: shell necklace bags. Decorative items like:
lamp shade, fruit and ash trays, guitars, placemats, coffee pots, cups. Most important use of coconut shell is
activated carbon produced from its charcoal, it makes a great charcoal replacement.

3. The Flesh
This is the edible part of the nut. The vitamin-rich coconut kernel (the flesh) can be eaten raw or cooked,
or processed to manufacture other products like coco flour, desiccated coconut, candies and animal feeds. When
grated, placed in water and squeezed (or blended) it produces coconut milk used in many Creole meals and
desserts.
When matured, oil can be extracted from the kernel. The oil can be used for cooking, prevent hair damage and
moisturize the skin. It’s a great sunscreen too. Copra is dried coconut meat that has 64% coconut oil content.
Other products from coco oil are soap, lard, coco chemicals, crude oil, pomade, shampoo, margarine, butter, and
cooking oil.

4. The Water
Fresh coconut water commonly called as “liquid endosperm” its function is to provide nourishment for
the developing embryo. It is also high in B vitamins, proteins and ascorbic acid. A quick drink when feeling
drained and depleted will help you get right back up on your feet. It9s also a great treatment for sunstroke,
stomach ache and urinary problems.

5. The Leaves
These are used to weave hats, baskets and mats. It’s a time-consuming practice which takes a bit of skill.
Skilled craftsmen use the midribs, the central veins that hold the leaves together to make brooms. These are also
 used to make barbecue skewer, decorations and traditional toys. In the past, the leaves were sometimes used for
thatching traditional Creole houses.

6. The Heart
Edible and known as “palmis”, “palm-cabbage”, and “heart of plam” it is found right underneath the
leaves of the coconut tree. In the Philippines it is known as ubod and considered as one of the finest vegetables. It
is a delicacy that is on high demand by both locals and visitors.

7. Spathe and Inflorescence

The coconut spathe is the scope-like structure that encloses the inflorescences (the flowers) of the tree. It
can be polished and varnished to make containers. When dried, the inflorescence is used as a broom, especially on
the beach when making a space for a lovely picnic. When the spathe and inflorescences are still closed, locals tap
it to release a sap, which is collected and fermented to make 8kalou9 (coconut tree toddy). The principal uses of
toddy are as fresh beverage, alcoholic beverages, for producing vinegar, for making sugar and as a source of yeast
for making bread.

8. The Trunk
It is hardy and durable wood is used for building small bridges. It is also used to make benches, tables,
carvings, picture frames, tables, tool boxes, and pulp paper. In the past, the trunks were turned into planks, used to
board and partition houses. They make great pillars as well and construction materials.

9. Roots
This part of the tree holds medicinal properties. It can be used to treat gall bladder, urinary infections,
kidney-related diseases, heartburn and eczema. 8Kalou9 can also be made from the sap found in the root. It is said
that this “kalou” is stronger.

COCONUT SHELL CRAFT

Shell is a hard protective covering of a cavity or tissue. Shells come from fruits of plants especially nuts. A palm
nut is covered by a glossy skin, fiber and pulps known as the husk, then the shell. Inside the shell are the meat and water.
A young shell is whitest or cream in color, while matured shells are hard and brittle. Working with shells requires skill
and dexterity. Sharp tools easily get dull while working on shells.

Cutting shells. Straight cuts are made with a backsaw. Saws for wood dull easily when used on shells. Tools for
metal is appropriate on shells. Cutting with sharp edges like a bolo or knife is very common. The pressure exerted by
edge-cutting tools have more chances to break or crack shells since itis hard and brittle. Shaping with edge-cutting tools is
done with utmost care and controlled pressure. Curve cuts are done with narrow blades such as coping saw, turnings saw,
or keyhole saw.

Scrapping. Edge cutting tools such as spokeshave, bolo or knife are good scraping tools. A scraper may be used
for this purpose. Only the remains of the husk from the outside and those of the meat from the inside are scraped.

Assembling shells. Shells are attached to each other with the use of glue or by tying with rattan, wire or nylon
cord. Small holes may be drilled for the tie to pass.

Finishing shells. Shells lose its natural beauty when covered with opaque finish. Natural fish is best for shells
such as the use of varnish, shellac, or lacquer.

The term “coconut” dates back to the 16th century. It derives from the Spanish and Portuguese word coco,
meaning “a grin”, “a monkey face” respectively, since there is a slight resemblance to a human face or a monkey head
because of the three tiny indents on the hairy shell of the fruit. Cocos nucifera is a scientific term for the coconut tree, or
coconut palm. Tropics and subtropics are the natural habitats of the plant. The coconut is a plant, which favorably grows
on the shorelines, it prospers on sandy soils. The fruit prefers rainy and sunny weather, it cannot resist low temperatures.
For a propitious growth, coconuts also require an area of high humidity.

Coconut is abundant in the coconut-producing areas like Laguna, Batangas, Quezon, Marinduque, Mindoro, and
Bicol provinces. Coconut shells as handicraft materials are used to make cups, kitchen utensils, wall vases, children's
bags, toys, pins, buttons, and plant hangers among others. Coconut shells have distinct characteristics. They easily crack,
so care should be taken when handling them. Shells of young coconuts are white but not brittle. Molave coconut shells
retain their size, shape, and thickness even when exposed to the sun. They do not warp or shrink.