Coconut, without which most of the South Indian homes cannot do in their kitchen, has many other uses too. It is also called the ‘Tree of Life.’ One of the most attractive products made of coconut fibre is the coir carpets or mat made famous by the Coir Board. Still cricket matches are played on coir mats. There are many eye-catching products made out of coconut shell. In our own city, there is an artisan who has involved himself in the art of making products out of coconut shells since the last 30 years. He is Arun Rao, 71, a resident of Yadavagiri. He is an expert in carving interesting objects out of the coconut shell like spoons, bowls, key chains and other items. He also makes masks, coffee cups, water jugs, kumkum boxes, many items that can be displayed in the garden.
