Tampaksiring Becomes Coconut Shell Handicraft Center

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Coconut shells can be transformed into a beautiful and attractive works of art. Various kinds of unique product can be made as needed. To name a few, there are lampshade, piggy banks, tissue box, purses, masks, various accessories, bags and interior decoration.

The size also varies and is good for souvenirs. This coconut shell craft can be easily found almost at all the art shops and souvenir shops in tourist destinations throughout Bali. Similarly, they can also be obtained at handicraft stores, souvenir shop and street vendors.
On the Island of the Gods, the center for the making of various kinds of coconut shell handicrafts is in Tampaksiring, Gianyar. Almost all the local residents have the ability to carve out or create other art objects. “It has become a tradition for local residents to make coconut shell crafts,” said Nyoman Sudira, one of the local craftsmen.

Coconut shell craft has been handed down through generations by local people. Their father and grandfather are creative craftsmen and pass down the skill to their younger generations. Their products are peddled and on display at the art shops along the Jalan Raya Tampaksiring. “Our local craftsmen never study seriously. We only see at glance and then try to make it,” said an artisan from Gunung Kawi village.
According to Sudira, completing a coconut shell craft takes him approximately one week. It highly depends on the level of difficulty of the motif made. “Now, we can make more easily with the help of more sophisticated tools, not manual tools as in the past,” he said. 
First step in the making of coconut shell craft is cleaning it by removing the coconut flesh. After that, the coconut shells are dried in the sun. Furthermore, it is sanded until the surface is smooth and the fibers are visible. “Later, it is carved in various motifs, such as the plants, animals and puppet,” explained Sudira.
Sudira added that he gets raw materials from outside Tampaksiring area because in that cool area is difficult to get coconut. The materials are usually brought in from Tabanan and other areas in Bali. “The production of coconut shell craft is very promising,” concluded Sudira.www.bali-travelnews.com
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