WOOD AND LACQUER

Location of the Community:
Etikopakka, Andhra Pradesh

Name of the local entrepreneur/master craftsman/NGO: Santosh Kumar

Number of artisan: 25

ABOUT THE GROUP:
A group of 25 skilled craftsmen make these products in Etikopakka, a small village in Andhra Pradesh. This craft was almost at the verge of getting extinct, when designers from National Institute of Design (NID) and National Institute of Fashion Technology gave useful tips to revive it. The local entrepreneur, Santosh Kumar has been involved with this group since he was a student of Product Design at National Institute of Design, Hyderabad campus.

This craft is called turn wood lacquer craft. The wood used is called Ankudu wood which is purchased from the forest department and is seasoned for six months before the products are made out of it. The shape of the wood is given with the help of a chisel and when it acquires the required shape it is smoothened with sand paper. Color is applied to it with the help of lacquer stick, which is made of non toxic vegetable dyes. In order to spread the color evenly Mougly leaf is used. This leaf is rubbed on the surface when the wood is still turning on the lathe. This activity spreads the color evenly and gives a glossy finish to the product.