At a time when it has been made mandatory by the state machinery for everyone to wear masks in a public area, people have come up with creative ideas for new and fashionable masks to be worn in public. We have heard of masks which match the clothes worn, masks made of jewellery, and masks 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 masses.
Dhananjaya, a painter from Markanja in Sullia taluk of Karnataka’s Dakshina Kannada district, let his imagination run wild and envisioned something unique. By making use of his talent in art, he has shown that it is possible to store the coconut shells in different forms and make masks out of them.
Dhananjaya is a drawing teacher in Vidyarashmi school, Savanur. Using a hacksaw blade, he has carved minute lines and holes in the shell to allow air to move in and out. This is a very delicate work, and Dhananjaya has succeeded in it. He has also brought down the weight of the shell, giving it a beautiful shape by carving it so finely that it snugly fits the face.
As these coconut shells are easily biodegradable, the eco-friendly masks also tackles the concerns that are expressed about the likely damage the piles of used masks might have on the environment.
Dhananjaya 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.
He 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. using coconut shells. Through his imagination, he has opened up immense possibilities for the uses of the humble coconut shell.
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