Coir making is a craft that is a primary source of many Sri Lankans and in this article, we look at the process and what it’s all about.
About
Coir making is an essential job of the people in Kalutara. If you are put up at one of the hotels in Kalutara the likes of Turyaa Hotels, it is likely you have seen coir products on sale on your way to the establishment.
What’s Coir?
Coir is made from coconut fibre that is separated from the coconut husks. The husk has less than 50% of fibre within itself. The coconut fibre is then spun into one of the world’s most grounded strings and woven into mats later.
Stage One
The initial phase in making coir is to make the husks go through a process called “retting”. After a soak of 9 months or so, these husks are expelled from the retting hill, stacked into kayaks, and taken to the sifting mixes.
Process
The retted husks are then beaten and smashed by women with hammers or cleavers. Bins loaded with the sifted and dried fibre are taken to turning spaces. The spinner then begins to turn and the ladies walk in reverse quickly, pulling filaments from their containers to connect deftly to the turning and protracting yarn.
Filled with wanderlust that seeks to explore distant shores and captivated by the colors and vibrancy of exotic cultures, Kanya Mae writes on the beautiful, exciting, and enchanting wonders of the world. She is a writer who not only has a passion for travel, but also has a background in fashion, art and media. Google+
