Discovered - Coir Expert Tribal

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One of our routine journeys to discover new artisans took us to Udumalpet this time. The NGO Udumalai Environmental Society established here, works for the betterment and upliftment of the people living in the tribal villages in the Annamalai Tiger Reserve area. We met the Secretary of the NGO, Mr. Nagaraj, who gave a detailed explanation about the life of the tribal people, who were displaced from the forest area and thereby settled in the Amaravathy region. We were informed that the members of the NGO trained them to make products for home décor and other accessories using coir, which is available in the Pollachi region in abundance.

Glimpses of the phases involved in the upliftment

Pollachi, being the world’s largest producers of coir-based products, provided ample scope for the tribals in this area to improve their livelihood. The NGO took steps to train some of these people in Allepey and thus engage them to make coir-based accessories and products, with adequate support from the Tribal Cooperative Marketing Development Federation of India Limited (TRIFED). The training was then passed on to the other interested members and thereby the people started making various products using coir. The NGO also arranged to showcase these products in exhibitions all over South India and nearby places.

The product range includes mats, miniature baya weaver nests, necklaces and similar accessories. All the products are eco-friendly and long lasting. The mats, especially, are known to provide acupressure effect when stepped on them.

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Discover The Palm-leaf man

On a casual discussion about Lumbertome to an art lover, we were suggested to visit a place near Pollachi and meet a man who makes miniatures and traditional accessories with the leaves of the palm tree. Thus, we set on our journey to meet Mr. Krishnasami who lives in Bodipalayam village near Zamin Uthukuli.

Here goes a brief introduction about Mr. Krishnasami..

Mr. Krishnasami has been making these eco-friendly non-plastic products for nearly three decades now. He has earned a reputation in and around Pollachi and Coimbatore for making exquisite products for the affluent society. Many of his products have been shipped to various states in the country and to other countries as well. Mr. Krishnasami has also conducted workshops for students in different educational institutions on the art of using palm leaves.

Apart from his wife who helps him in the production, he has a workforce of around ten girls whom he has trained and recruited to assist him. He uses the simple process of drying fresh palm leaves and then transforming them into perfect little products. 

Mr.Krishnasami and his team have been recognized by the Office of Development Commissioner (Handicrafts), Ministry of Textiles. 

A peek into some of his products..

Miniature flowers, birds and animals are used as decorative or showpieces during gatherings and festivities.

Other products include bags, hand fans, winnows, toys and many more..

Visit the gallery for more images..

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