COIR
THE GOLDEN THREAD
Craft Documentation
This document journals the journey of coir craft in Alleppey (Alappuzha), Kerala. The detailed study of the craft was done mainly in parts of Alleppey and Cherthala. The document captures not just the process and application of the coir products but the history, significance, artisan life and current day scenarios of the craft, along with stories and myths related to coir and coconut. The document extensively conveys all aspects of the craft practiced in Alleppey.
Coir, a byproduct of the coconut's outer covering, is obtained from the dense fibrous layer within the hard outer covering. Recognized for its fibrous properties, coir is processed through elaborate techniques. Working with coir demands skill and experience due to its coarse nature. From spinning to weaving, craftsmen practice their knowledge to transform it into various products.
Coir holds significant importance in the local culture as one of the most valuable product obtained from coconut. It finds wide usage in households, serving different purposes. The craft of coir processing and weaving requires highly skilled labor and is often underappreciated, as the material is commonly discarded or used as firewood.
THE RAW MATERIAL - COCONUT HUSK
RETTING
The raw material then undergoes a process of fibre extraction called retting. Retting is an age-old process for which the coconut husk is soaked in saline/brackish waters or steeping in pits dug out within the reach of the tidal action water for a period of 6–12 months.
BLEACHING
Bleaching coir fiber/yarn is the next process and it is necessary for enhancing the color. Bleaching is usually done by using sodium hydroxide in the ratio of 5gms/litre
DYEING
ROPE MAKING
Traditionally a handful of coir is pulled at both ends by hands to separate strands of coir from the coir fibres. Depending on the desired thickness of the coir rope, few strands are taken into the palms and the ends of these strands are joined to the ends of another few strands by spinning between the palms.
WEAVING
PRODUCTS
ARTISANS PROFILE
