Coconut Shell

The craft of coconut shell carving in West Bengal started as an adaptation of the celebrated conch shell carving. The technique and the tools used for the craft are the same as that of conch shell carving. However, the product range of coconut shell ranges from teapots to bangles and ornaments, and from bowls to replicas of terracotta temples of Bishnupur. There was a scarcity in supply of conch shells in West Bengal during the 1980s, and hence their prices soared. Craftsmen adapted their skills to carve coconut shells and also wood apple shells.

Making of coir and its products one of the main village industry of Kerala. Coir is extracted from the protective husk of the Coconut. Coir is used to make a range of floor coverings, door mats, floor Mattings and rugs, crush-proof pile carpets, Flowered Mourzouks etc. The mats come in a range of colours and intricate designs. Besides that rubberised coir, a blend of coir and latex, is also used to make mattresses and cushioning. The husks separated from the nuts, are retted in lagoons upto ten months.

Coconut shell craft is a popular craft in Kerala as coconut trees are found in abundance here. A high degree of skill is required for carving coconut shell as it is hard. The main centre for coconut shell craft is Calicut district in Kerala. The common products are cups, flower vases, snuff boxes, sugar basins, nut bowls, powder boxes and spoons etc and also products decorated with brass, which are in great demand.

Mask's can intrigue a person by their looks and their making and in Goa mask carving has got a whole new look as it is done on coconut shells.

Shell craft is one of the most popular handicrafts of Andaman Islands. The shell crafts include ashtrays, lamps, buttons and jewelry made from the polished, decorative shells. The tortoise shell is the interesting resource material available. These shells are large and available in beautiful shades. The articles like table lamps, small round and square boxes and some decorative items made from the tortoise shells are available. Handicrafts from coconut shells

As coconut trees are available in large numbers, they are the best natural resources for handicrafts of Andaman & Nicobar. The items like finger bowls, table lamps and some other objects made from the coconut shells are very popular among the tourists.