Daijiworld Media Network - Puttur (SP)

Puttur, Apr 26: At a time when it has been made mandatory for everyone in a public place to wear masks, and concerns are expressed about the likely damage the piles of used masks might have on the environment, indigenous masks have been introduced.

We have heard about masks which match the clothes worn, those made of jewellery, and those designed to satiate the style statement of the wearers. Now, a multi-talented artist has come out with a mask that has been made by using naturally available raw material that also is very strong. Masks made from coconut shells, which have been made on an experimental basis, have attracted the attention of the people.

People in general believe that coconut shells are good only for firing the hearths. But Dhananjaya, a painter from Markanja, let his imagination to envision something special. By making use of his mastery talent, he has shown that it is possible to keep the coconut shells with us in different forms. Masks made of these shells are his recent addition to his innovative collections.

Dhananjaya, who is from Markanja in Sullia taluk, is a drawing teacher in Vidyarashmi school, Savanur. He has created coconut shell masks within a day. By using hacksaw blade, he has carved minute lines and holes to allow air to move in and out. This is a very delicate work, and Dhananjaya has succeeded in it. He has also bought the weight of the shell down, and has given it a beautiful shape by carving it so finely that it snugly fits the face.

Dhananjaya has already made bangles, pen stand, mobile stand, vermillion box, stand for candles, box to preserve letters, fish shaped art form, pickle container, spoon, jewellery box, finger ring etc by using coconut shells. Through his imagination, he has opened up immense possibilities of the humble coconut shell that was neglected so far.

Dhananjaya Markanja, says that coconut shell is something that is of immense use for various purposes. He says he has the hobby of crafting different artefacts with coconut shells. He said he has prepared coconut shell mask by putting in a day’s work, which can be used conveniently.