The Tales of Coconut Shell Craft, Goa

The Tales Of Coconut Shell Craft, Goa

The Tales Of

COCONUT SHELL CRAFT Goa

National Institute Of Fashion Technology, Mumbai Masters Of Design Space Batch 2017-2019

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Masters of Design Space 2017-2019

Written by Ameya U S Mansi Narang Shubhangi Sahal Surangana Acharya Tanu Rathi

Photos by Mansi Narang Book Design by Ameya U.S Tanu Rathi

Guided By Rashmi Gulati Processed at National Institue of Fashion Technology

Acknowledgement

“Acknowledgement and celebrations are essential to fueling passion making people feel valid and valuable, and giving the team a real sense of progress that makes it all worthwhile.�

We would first like to express our special gratitude to Mr. Bromeau for being so kind and welcoming, for giving us his valuable time to know about the craft and also going out of his way to help us implement our ideas. He provided us with the key insights which otherwise would have been very difficult to understand.

This document is made successfully with the support of our ever encouraging faculty of Masters in Design Space,NIFT Mumbai, Ms Rashmi Gulati. We thank her for providing insights and expertise that greatly assisted in completion of our craft documentation.

Finally, We would like to give credit to our families, who helped us out and supported us through the entire journey.

Contents Introduction..................................................................11 Origin...........................................................................12 Coconut Craft in India..................................................14 Demographics .............................................................19 The Craftsman.............................................................20 Tools & Machinery........................................................22 Process........................................................................23 Product Diversification.................................................24 Contemporisation.........................................................26 Design Development....................................................28 Sustainability................................................................41 SWOT Analysis............................................................46 Conclusion...................................................................48 Craftman Details..........................................................50 References..................................................................52

1.Introduction INTRODUCTION

OBJECTIVE OF THE PROJECT

Goa, the 25th state of India, is known for a unique culture inherited from dynasties such as the Portuguese, French, Dutch and the Israelis. The influence of all these kingdoms can be clearly seen on the lifestyle, architecture, food and all the social aspects of the state. Basically a Hindu state, Goa was ruled by the Mauryan Empire in the 3rd century B.C. The region flourished under the rule of the Bhojas, Chalukya, Silhara, Kadamba and the Hoysalas from around 500 A.D. to 1342 A.D. and was taken over by the Vijayna- gar empire in the late 1300s. By the 14th century, Goa acquired the status of the epicentre of spices, indigo and cotton trade, and the best trading center of horses too. The state also witnessed the Muslim empire for a short span of time in the 1500s, but as Alfonso de Albuquerque forayed Goa to capture the spice trade in 1503, he conquered the Muslims, and Goa became a Portuguese colony in 1510.

The people of Goa are commonly referred by the name Goan. The Goan origin may be contributed towards the Indo-Aryan, Dravidian and Austro-Asiatic ethnic and linguistic ancestries. This paves way for them to be considered as an ethno-linguistic group.

The main language spoken by the people of Goa is Konkani belonging to the Southern group of Indo-Aryan Languages and it is a Prakrit based language. The dialects of the Konkani language vary depending on the nativity of the people and some of them are Bardeskari, Sashtikari, Pednekari and Antruj bhasha. The Hindu people living in Goa refer to themselves as Konkane or Devanagari who are mainly the residents of Konkan.

The objective of the project is to create a design intervention and exploration so that the craft of coconut shells can be increased in different states in India.

We as design research students would understand the pulse of the trade and help the artisan to bring more design implementation to the craft, so that the artisan can have a better understanding while dealing in the urban market and its customers.

2.Origin INTERNATIONAL The coconut tree or palm grows on Saline soil especially near beaches in tropical and subtropical habitat. Fossil coconuts have been found in the soil of India and New Zealand. Some Authority say that the coconut palm first game from Southeast Asian Peninsula, while others claim that its origin is in north-west in South America.

Coconut palm could be attributed to two things: human dispersal and natural dispersal. Human dispersal of coconuts (fruit or seed) was most likely aided by sea-faring people. The natural dispersal of coconut palm happened when the coconuts were carried out by the ocean from shore to shore.

The property of these are extremely well due to their very thick but light and buoyant shells which can float extremely well and can travel long distances for several months on sea-water.

Coconut shell craft has gained popularity only in the last few decades and can be boosted in future with the right reference and explorations. While coconut shell carving craft is practiced all over the world, it is highly used as means of creative employment in places like Cambodia, Thailand, Philippines, Java, Maldives and Sri Lanka.

3.Coconut Craft in India Coconut shell craft is practiced in the states of India where coconut grows. This craft involves tremendous creativity. The craft of making decorative and utility products out of coconut shell and wood is mostly practiced in parts of India where coconut is grown in abundance. However, in most of these areas coconut wood was or is still used as firewood and/or building material. Coconut shell has always been used as a cooking fuel and to make small multiple-utility bowls or serving spoons with simple bamboo joinery. However, with the passage of time and the improvement in tools, people started making various other small utility and decorative articles by cutting coconut shell or by carving coconut wood.

Coconut shell and wood craft is primarily prevalent in Kerala: in and around Calicut, Trivandrum, Attingal, Neyyatinkara and Quilandy in Kozhikode. Other states where this craft is practiced are Goa, the Andaman and Nicobar Islands and a few parts of Bengal, Pondicherry and Tamil Nadu. Another instance of availability of coconut shell craft is in the tribal belt of Bastar where intricately designed patterns in white metal are inlayed in the shell and cut to make bangles.

HISTORY Goa is the smallest Indian state that lies on the western coast of India. It has an influential historical background. It attracted the powerful traders, merchants, seafarers, dynasties, monks and missionaries as it was one of the major trading centers in India.

Through rapid and continuous transformation in its cultural and socio economic development, Goa has left an unforgettable impression.

The first settlers of Goa are known to be Brahmins called Saraswats. They were so called because they inhabited originally banks of the River Saraswati in North India. Goa became the part of the Mauryan Empire in the 3rd century BC. It was later dominated by the Satavahanas of Kolhapur. Then it was handed over to the Chalukyas of Badami.

In 1312, Goa was under the control of the Muslims for the first time. But they were not fond of the beaches and thus left the place in 1370. To carry Arabian horses for the Vijayanagar cavalry through ships, Goa’s harbors were well known as the major landing place.

The seafaring Portuguese arrived at Goa in 1510 with a target to take control over the spice route from the East. It was an ideal place for them as it was blessed with wide rivers and natural harbors.

The Portuguese had an influential control over the state as they expanded their provinces and were there in Goa for quite a long time. Most of the buildings and edifices of the city resembles the Portuguese architectural style as they constructed several Churches and Forts during their administration.

In the later part of 18th century, the Portuguese were defeated by the Marathas. Trade of the Portuguese came to an end in 1961, after the Indian army entered Goa. Goa was officially declared as the 25th state of India in the year 1987, by Prime Minister Rajiv Gandhi. After few years, Konkani- the local language of Goa was considered as one of the 22 official regional languages of India. At present, it is known for having India’s highest per-capita incomes with fishing, farming, tourism and iron-ore mining which are the major sources of its economy.

LIFESTYLE Goan lifestyle reflects a unique blend of East and West. Goans live life in style. That is in short Goan life style. Rich or not so rich, they do not equate life with money. Goans work and earn and spend in dress, food, entertainment and festivals. Goans love rest.

Their life is peaceful, not driven by modern day sentiments, anxieties, tensions and other ills of a fast life.

They are deeply religious. They follow family tradition and celebrate festivals with much religious fervor. Yet they are secular-minded. Goans share their joys and sorrows with others, cutting across religious barriers.

Fish is another favorite and a must in a Goan’s plate.

Sea-food is a specialty. Another Portuguese connection is that there is no prohibition in Goa. Goa’s famous contribution is fenny, the drink prepared from the cashew apple. Fenny preparation is in fact a cottage industry in Goa. In villages, fenny is prepared in many a house.

Drink is also cheaper than in other parts of India. Yet Goans drink within control. Dance and Music is in their blood and tradition. Goans dance to the maddening lilting tune of Latino music and sing together.

At the same time Indian classical music is so dear to the Goans that theirs is the land that produced some of the most revered names of Indian classical music.

Goans are hard working too. Their ancestors tilled this salty, barren land and made it fertile. Goans are everywhere in the world. For livelihood, Goans have migrated in large numbers, but they always retain the connection with their motherland. At least once in a year they surely come back to their motherland.

4. Demographics People, Religion and Culture The Goans are mainly happy go lucky people who always extend a warm and a friendly relationship.

They are very hospitable and enjoy each and every moment of life. They live their life they wish to and are not influenced by any materialistic factors. The people of Goa follow their own religion and beliefs.

During the Portuguese rule, their army and the religious zealtors destroyed the temples in this area and also converted most of the non-Christians in this area to Christianity. However, the Goans basically being friendly and loving nature in spite of varying religions stand apart and they still remain united as Goans. There is no clashes among the people living in Goa regarding their religious beliefs and religious fundamentalism for they have lot of tolerance towards each other’s values and customs.

Goa is still a Hindu dominated state as it comprises of around 65% Hindus, 30% Christian and the rest 5% includes Muslims and other religions. Even then Goa enjoys religious harmony. There are several places such as Damodar temple at Sanguem, the Church of Our Lady of Miracles in Mapusa and the Shantadurga temple at Fatorpa, where both Hindus and Christians go together. There are various occasions and festivals (Shigmotsava or Holi, Bon Carnival, Food Festival etc.) that are celebrated by members of both the communities with equal zeal and excitement.

The fairs and festivals of Goan are infact reflective of their very religious and cultural self. With a majority of Hindu and Christian population, the major festivals celebrated in the state definitely belong to these two religions. However, this does not imply that festivals

of people following other religion are not celebrated in the state. Moreover, there are certain festival that are celebrated only in Goa. It is these festivals that make Goa so special.

Goan cuisine is predominantly influenced by religious of Christianity and Hinduism. One of the most favourite sea food delicacies is the Prawn Balham which is a spicy, oily, pickle like preparation. Another special dish which is mainly served on occasions is the Pork Sorpotel. Mostly the dinner is always served with Chicken Cafreal which is a grilled preparation with a healthy amount of garlic paste. A popular desert among the Goan is a sweet meat dish named Bebinca which is very rich and is eight layered, alternated with eggs, milk and sugar. Goa’s traditional drink is Feni, a potent brew made from the sap of either the coconut or cashew tree.

Production of Coconut : Area: 25.70 ( 000 hectare) Production: 88. 70 (000 metric ton) Production: 138.58 (million nuts) Productivity: 5394 (nuts/ha) Goa produces a decorated and utility items made out of coconut fibre. Apart from consuming the coconut in the meals, it has done wonders to earn livelihood for the local artisans. Artists prepared decorative to utility items from the shells and it’s fibre. Blooms are well prepared and has a good life span And don’t produce any dust out of it. Locals have been using spoons or davlo as locally called and other vessels made out of coconut shells.

5. The Craftsman Mr. Bromeu Perreria, a 69 year old Goan craftsman, travels all across India and abroad to showcase his products. He has been working with the craft since the past 15 years and has gained immense recognition for the same. His relationship with the craft blossomed while he was serving as a physical education teacher, and used to take best out of waste sessions for students, purely out of interest.

He is blessed with 2 daughters and a son. The son is a marine engineer and one of the daughters is in London and the other one lives with him, however his children do not practice the craft with him.

Mr. Bromeu works out of terrace workshop at home, takes inspiration from everything around him, be in nature, the internet or students who come to him for co creation workshops.

6. Tools & Machinery The tools that are required for coconut shell craft are: - Filing Tools: Three different filing tools are used to sand the coconut shell.

- Pens (white marker): Pens are used to draw the reference lines to carve.

- Papers: On which drawings are usually done and is cut along the outline.

- Scissors: Scissors are used to cut papers.

- Wood Polish (lacquer): Wood polish is used to get quality look for coconut shell products.

- Coping Saw: Coping saw is used to cut along the designs marked on coconut shell.

- Threads: Threads are used to stitch the zipper to coconut shell pouches.

- Gauges: Carving gauges are used to carve the intricate designs.

- Triangular File: Triangular file is used to trim and sharpen the edges.

- Drill Machine: Drill machine is used to drill holes on coconut shell.

- Glue: Glue is used to stick two separate coconut shells together.

MATERIALS Coconut shell is bought from coconut growers and from farmers who scoop out the coconut for sale in the market, also selling the dried shell.

The coconut is scooped out by making a small neat hole. Shells are available in different shapes and sizes. The price for a big round shell is Rs 10 while for a small one it is Rs 6. Raw material is normally available easily. However, coconut shell of a particular shape and size if required for an order takes a long time to collect.

7. Process 1. The Collection of Coconuts: The coconuts are collected of various sizes from places. The mature coconut is preferred because it is lignin hence there is no threat of germs attack. The immature coconut contains water and fruit and is cellulose. So the mature coconut is durable and preferable to work on.

2. Filing: The coconuts are collected the fibrous husk and kernel part is removed and cleaned to get only the shell. The shell is sanded with three kinds of filing tools until a smooth finish is obtained. Sanding with smaller grains of sand paper gives a good finish to the surface.

3. Intricate Carving and Cutting: The coconut shells are sanded. They are cut into desired shapes and sizes required for an article to be made with coping saw. The intricate cross work is done with the coping saw. The shape of the cross and the designs are marked on the coconut shell with a marker. With the help of coping saw it is cut along the line and the Cross-is obtained. The sides of cut coconut piece are filed.

The carving gauges are used to give intricate designs and cut the intricate designs.

cut coconut shells are stuck to the coconut shell base with adhesive (glue) and is given a coat of varnish (wood polish) to obtain a neat and glossy effect.5. Finishing: Drilling holes in a pattern, carving on shells, fixing electric wires to coconut lamps, holes for buttons, and all the external furnishings are done. With all these furnishings done the products are ready to be packed. Items vary in weight between 100g to 200g approximately.

8. Product Diversification PAST Coconut shell craft is not a traditional craft for the crafts legacy, i.e. it is not passed on from generation to generation. Only very few people got interested in this craft earlier. But with the introduction of mechanisms, it reduced the effort and attracted more people. It is confined to the coastal areas.

Various handmade process was replaced by machines. The wine bottle was one of the most popular craft product of that time.

PRESENT Coconut shell articles are mostly sold in the domestic market through various crafts exhibitions organised by the government and buy support organisations, direct supplied to state Emporia and to corporate houses. Handicraft products are the most preferable choice for corporate gifting nowadays. This actually created more opportunities in the craft sector. Government has also started many Initiatives to promote and develop the craft sector.

Some of the articles are exported to markets such as the US, Europe, Australia and the Middle East.

Particular products such as brass-inlayed coconut wood products like hookers, snuffboxes and not balls are popular with the Arabs. Coconut shell breast artefacts are used in interiors to.

9. Contemporisation Coconut shell craft is very hard and does it is difficult to work on. Over a period of time this craft has grown from merely producing decorative items to producing many contemporary lifestyle products such as categories decor items furniture etc., and it has been possible with the latest technologies and machinery that is available in the market.

Before the introduction of machineries, it had to be performed manually from cutting and polishing. This was time-consuming and tiring.

After the invention of machineries, It has become easier for the artisans To work on different products with different innovations and ideas with in a short amount of time. There are many contemporized craft products available in the international market which has better finish and is aesthetically appealing. Coconut shell craft in India is also growing in matters of finish and aesthetics. The artisans in India are also getting inspired from the international market and are putting genuine effort to improve their designs. From being completely manual, the artisans have adapted the use of some simple machines and are keen to develop more new products with coconut shell.

Handpainted Bowls

Carved Candle Holder

Statement Keyrings

Carved Lampshade

Coconut Spoons

Carved Jewelry

Carved Lampshade

Handpainted Bowls

Bowl & Serving Spoons

Character Jewelry

10. Design Development CONCEPTUALISATION

Mood lighting is a new, upcoming & essential feature at spas. Keeping in mind the same, a lamp was designed which can be rotated to control the amount of light, from dim to bright, according to the mood. The spa range is not just limited to the spa, we designed it in a way that the products can cater to different areas, for example, the lamp can be used in professional areas, the candles can be used on occasions or for home dĂŠcor or the diffuser can be used at home or office spaces.

Our idea was to use coconut shells to develop the products which were rich in both utility and aesthetics.

We shortlisted the idea of creating a range of spa utensils, named Kopari wherein products such as bottle covers, lamps, oil jars were made out of coconut.

Coconut shells being sustainable and organic, were a perfect substitute for the otherwise conventional plastic & brass utensils.

With the idea of co promoting two crafts, we used The target consumer base for the products is a terracotta pot, as part of our diffuser, the purpremium spas, resorts & hotels. Keeping in pose of which is to store the burning coal. mind various factors such as size and shape of the coconut shells, we utilised it all to further enhance the possible usage and then designed the products accordingly.

Exploration

IDEATION The coconut shells are twice as strong as hardwood which make them a sturdy option for product development. The hard exterior of the coconut is comparable to lower strength aluminium alloys making it one of the hardest organic materials produced in nature. Hence, the products made from coconut shells are more durable, natural, easy available and reusable. These unique shells are perfect for candles, soap dishes, salts containers, candy dishes, bowls, or anything that needs a tropical feel.

Keeping this in mind, we came up with the spa products range, including candles, mood lighting lamp, salt containers, towel stand, diffuser. Diffuser and mood lighting lamp are two products which took many discussions and trials. In mood lighting lamp, we put the light in half cut coconut shell and divided the other half into 3 parts with the pencil. It is designed in such a way that each part has different sizes of holes , i.e small, medium and big ones. The lid which is 3/4th of the circle is screwed with the second half which can be rotated to get different amount of light for different purposes.

1. Coconut Shell of Appropriate Size Is Chosen

Prototype Process 2. It is cut accordingly & engraved

4. The upper cover of the coconut is cut

3. Coconut husk is added at the bottom to make a sturdy base

5. Fevicol is added to the husk to prepare adhesive

6. The bottle is placed inside

7. Adhesive holds the bottle in place

8. A jute thread is added to demarcate the 2 halves

11. Sustainability COCONUT SHELL CARVING: WHY SUSTAINABLE?

Sustainable development is more than a concern

with environmental change and/or recycling. It is a concern for the longevity of all forms of life, for social equity and for the environment conceived as a context of relationships that exists and takes on meaning in relation to the beings who inhabit it. It thus calls for the explicit acknowledgement that the transition to more sustainable societies requires a major change and reorientation of ways of thinking; lifestyles; consumer patterns and values. Craft offers a number of leverage points where links between its economic and educational models and pathways to sustainability emerge. Thus, it contributes both to alternative and more creative definitions of “sustainability”, and to current debates on the “persistence” of craft and its role in “modern” societies. Craft, can no longer be seen as existing against or in spite of modernity; on the contrary, in the context of sustainable development, it clearly emerges as “a modern way of thinking otherwise.”

Coconut shell or kotti in Konkani is viewed as hard wood and fill in as an intelligent substitute to wood.

Contrasted with wood, it has higher lignin level, lesser cellulose level, and is made fundamentally out of lignin, cellulose and hemi-cellulose. Cellulose, which is at the focal point of the shell, is delicate and can be evacuated. Henceforth, the hard lignin which is less permeable in nature, gives a decent complete

to the art subsequent to polishing.

As a result of these properties, the items produced using kotti have fantastic quality and are perpetual. Coconut shells are abundantly accessible in the beach front areas, and are inexpensive, inexhaustible, have high particular quality to weight proportion (not at all like wood which is substantial), minimal health hazard, low density, less abrasive to machinery and fully bio-degradable.

There is a great deal of extension to utilize coconut craft even as kitchen cutleries. Truth be told, coconut utensils have been utilized as a part of the Goan kitchen since time immemorial. Glasses, saucers, pots, bowls, spoons, scoops, browning spoons, frozen yogurt containers, soup bowls, dry-natural product bowls - practically every thing required in our kitchen can be made of the coconut shell. Their conventional spoon called the doulo is made of coconut shell. These things are washable and reusable.

Curds set exceptionally well in a curd-bowl made of the coconut shell. This can also be kept in the refrigerator. A downside of this procedure is that it brings about hardened neck and back issues for the skilled workers because of constant bowing. A noteworthy wellbeing worry in this art is the fine dust that could enter the respiratory system, and eyes, because of which issues may arise in the long run.

ENVIRONMENTAL SUSTAINABILITY

Environmental, Social and Economic sustainability are considered as the three pillars of sustainability.

Of the three pillars, the most important is environmental sustainability. If this is not solved, then no matter how hard we try the other pillars cannot be made strong because they are dependent on the greater system they live within, the environment. Environmental sustainability is defined as responsible interaction with the environment to avoid depletion or degradation of natural resources and allow for longterm environmental quality. The practice of environmental sustainability helps to ensure that the needs of today’s population are met without jeopardizing the ability of future generations to meet their needs.

When we look at the natural environment, we see that it has a rather remarkable ability to rejuvenate itself and sustain its viability. For example, when a tree falls, it decomposes, adding nutrients to the soil.

These nutrients help sustain suitable conditions so future saplings can grow. When nature is left alone, it has a tremendous ability to care for itself. However, when man enters the picture and uses many of the natural resources provided by the environment, things change. Human actions can deplete natural resources, and without the application of environmental sustainability methods, long-term viability can be compromised. We take our natural resources for granted and sometimes we forget that those resources are not unlimited. More importantly, our planet must be protected from corporate exploita-

tion and neglect. This pillar supports initiatives like: renewable energy, reducing fossil fuel consumption and emissions, sustainable agriculture and fishing, organic farming, tree planting and reducing deforestation, recycling, and better waste management.

Coconut shell craft is in itself an extremely sustainable craft. Beginning right from the raw material itself, the sustainable part of this craft starts. This is because • Coconut shell is viewed as hard wood and fill in as an intelligent substitute to wood. • The shells which they use for carving is gathered from the waste. • The properties of the coconut shells are such that they are considered totally eco-sustainable. • Coconut shells are abundantly accessible in the beachfront areas, and are inexpensive, inexhaustible and completely biodegradable.

The procedure utilizes particular tools for the cutting, sand papers are utilized for polishing. There is no use of artificial colors or added substances during the making of the shells. The last polished look is acquired just by scrubbing the surface of the shell with the sand paper. Special varnish is sometimes used to give a more finished look but only on decorative items. For kitchen cutleries and other utility items, no varnish is used.

The main waste that comes out of the process is coconut dust powders and small chips. The coconut dust powder is used to make Incense sticks and dhoopbattis. No artificial ingredients are used during the process of making these incense sticks, because of which these items are in high demand. Also, the powder is sometimes mixed with fevicol to make a paste used as an adhesive.

The small chips which result from the cutting process are utilized in an exceptionally innovative and creative path by several artisans. They have made decorative home dĂŠcor items like table stands and door texture using these chips.

The husk is also used as a fuel. The upper most

part of the coconut is also used to make brooms.

The dust powder is also used as the top most layer in plants , which helps the plants in absorbing and keeping them hydrated.

The inside part of the coconut is used in making soaps, shower gels and other toiletries, etc.

ECONOMIC SUSTAINABILITY “Economic sustainability is the term used to identify various strategies that make it possible to use available resources to their best advantage. The idea is to promote the use of those resources in a way that is both efficient and responsible, and likely to provide long-term benefits. In the case of a business operation, it calls for using resources so that the business continues to function over a number of years, while consistently returning a profit.�

As far as accessible resources and long term benefits, the coconut shells, as talked about above, fill in as a coherent decision. The long term benefits are justified by the properties for the coconut shell craft products. Because of the uniqueness of the shell, and its content, articles produced using coconut shell have a long life, staying for over a hundred years. Termites and other insects do not attack them. In any case, one ought to secure them from rats. As an alternative option to wood also, coconut shells are a decent option for home dĂŠcor and other utility things. Indeed, even the coconut shell powder, which is created as a waste item amid the procedure of shell cutting, polishing and carving are reused to make utility items. Incense sticks and dhoopbattis are made without including any artificial ingredients; these astonishing items are 100% natural with medicinal properties and furthermore fill in as mosquito repellant. Other than the wonderful shells artworks, these incense sticks are high in demand because of their extraordinary properties.

Also, the powder is sometimes mixed with fevicol to make a paste used as an adhesive. The husk is also used as a fuel. The upper most part of the coconut is also used to make brooms. The dust powder is also used as the top most layer in plants, which helps the plants in absorbing and keeping them hydrated. The inside part of the coconut is used in making soaps, shower gels and other toiletries, etc.

SOCIAL SUSTAINABILITY “A process for creating sustainable, successful places that promote wellbeing, by understanding what people need from the places they live and work. Social sustainability combines design of the physical realm with design of the social world – infrastructure to support social and cultural life, social amenities, systems for citizen engagement and space for people and places to evolve.” - Social Life, UK In basic terms social sustainability looks for an approach to enhance local and global social conditions of workers, their families, communities and society at large.

Coconut shell craft in Goa has managed to provide employment to numerous young ladies through the ‘Periera Social Welfare Center’. They have figured out how to procure a little pay by offering coconut shell jewelries and accessories. They do not need to bother with financial setup to buy raw materials as it is collected from waste and the basic tools are provided by the Goa Handicrafts department.

Coconut shell carving provides a decent alternate option to numerous non-biodegradable items. In spite of the fact that small in scale as of now, this art could fill in as a decent wellspring of economy for the place as far as employment and tourism, if promoted on an expansive scale. This excellent craft has put Goa on the map for anxious tourists. This craft is sustainable in many forms and with legitimate initiatives from the Government, could bring about far superior outcomes for the society by and large.

12. SWOT Analysis

Strength

Weakness

Opportunity

Threat

Raw Material Available in Abundance Every part of the coconut is useful Use of machinery has made the production process much easier Sturdy & Hard Shell Ensures Durability

The shape of the shell poses a limitation for product exploration The flattening of the shell is too cumbersome, it proves as a limitation in product development The costing is not very profitable. The amount of work that goes in to creating a product is not justified by the cost it commands The coconut shell is not insulating in nature, this leads to heating issues when used in lamps

Laser Cutting, Intricate Designs, Laquer Work, Embossing can be explored in coconut

A major threat to the craft is the growing apprehension to climb up trees to procure coconuts. Due to this, the cost of coconuts has increased.

This has also led to a decline in sales as tourists, who are the prime purchasers, refuse to pay higher prices A lot of artisans still dont have access to machinery, this leads to immense hardwork in the creation process, whereas the profit margins are low. This factor discourages the youth to take up the craft professionally.

13. Conclusion Economic Problem

Lack of awareness

The craft is labor intensive in nature and completely handcrafted. Even though machines have been invented,to ease the process the intricacy of the craft demands manual labor. Price fixing is one of the important issues faced by artisans that needs to be tackled to improve sales. The component of promotion comprises the advertising, direct marketing techniques, personal selling techniques and public relations. If previously mentioned are followed, consequently, the sales volume gets increased. Though the Government arranges some events, trade fair region wise exclusively for handcrafted products only few of the artisans participate, rest of them do not come forward to exhibit their talents and are not willing to travel even within a region. In some cases, they assume that language would be a barrier for travel, stay, communication. Due to less investment, less working capital, less profit and in some cases ignorance , artisans, especially who hail from a rural background are unable to adequately brand their products as per a specialized category in the market. They are unable to compete with large-scale, machine made producers and existing brand even their quality and finishing is matching the basic standards expects by the customers.

Goa is among the most frequently visited tourist destinations in India. There is a huge demand for traditional handicrafts of the state. However, there is a lack of awareness among the consumers about the time, efforts & material invested in creating the product. Due to absence of good packaging, branding & marketing, local artisans are unable to command the prices which a brand selling the same products would. Awareness needs to be spread regarding the benefits of branding, labelling & promoting the product in order to accelerate sales.

Social Problem The younger generations are not inclined towards practicing the craft since it is labor intensive & time consuming. The upcoming generation wants quicker ways to earn money & is not interested in documenting or taking the craft forward. This is leading to a loss of knowledge of techniques & the essence of the craft itself.

Craftman Details

Name : Bromeu Perreria Age 69 Contact : +91 94228 46907 Address : Margao, Near Blue Jade,JLN Stadium, Goa India

References • https://www.slideshare.net/1_Ketaki/coconut-craft • https://books.google.co.in/books?id=fY5hLeJWW4C&pg=PA147&lpg=PA147&dq=coconut+shell+carving&source=bl&ots=7KnGj0uEod& sig=rnuEYW0RJnjaX_tJXRu3_jLysA&hl=en&sa=X&ved=0ahUKEwi9hLrd2_LXAhULso8KHfaBCP44ChDoAQhN MAY#v=onepage&q&f=false • https://nomliving.com/blogs/thingswedo/coconut-wood-a-sustainable-resourse-for-ourkitchen • http://www.dsource.in/sites/default/files/resource/intricate-coconut-carving-parragoa/downloads/file/ intricate-coconut-carving-parra-goa.pdf • http://www.craftmark.org/sites/default/files/Coconut%20Craft.pdf • http://sphinxsai.com/2015/ch_vol8_no11/3/(624-637)V8N11CT.pdf • http://www.jestr.org/downloads/Volume6Issue5/fulltext2652013.pdf • https://www.scribd.com/document/295944553/Coconut-Art-carving-a-Culture-pdf • http://www.indianmirror.com/culture/states-culture/goa.html • http://www.goaindiatourism.org/information-of-goa/people-and-culture-goa.html • http://www.goanvillage.com/foods-in-goa/ • http://www.goaholidayhomes.com/information/agriculture-in-goa.html • https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/economy/agriculture/coconut-falls-on-hard-times-in-goa/ article show/62682306.cms • http://www.indialine.com/travel/goa/fairs-festivals.html • https://www.tourmyindia.com/states/goa/music.html EXPLORING COCONUT TREE AS AN ALTERNATIVE WOOD CARVING MATERIAL by Ama Asabea Djokoto Integrated design and technical development project by Sudheesh Kumar S S