Sholapith - Kadam Phool (flower) Making

Описание: Shola also referred to as Indian cork is a milky-white spongy plant botanically known as Aeschynomene aspera. Shola grows in the water logged marshy areas of Bengal. Brown sticks of Shola are procured and peeled to get the white pith, which is used to make exquisite crafts.
There is a continued relevance of Shola in Bengali lifestyle and culture. The symbolic abstraction of emotions using Shola is imbibed in the day to day life of the Bengalis. The product ranges are varied. Ritualistic products, Decorative products, Replica Models and Puppets are the most important of the lot. Shola craft is associated with Bengali’s greatest Festival Durga Puja. The idols are decorated with Sholapith ornaments which are done by most of the Shola craftsperson. Topor (wedding headdress) and Sheethi Mukut are important parts of Bengali wedding which are also commonly found in every region.
The tradition of Shola craft stretches throughout Bengal, covering the districts of Cooch Behar, Alipurduar, Dinajpur, Malda, Murshidabad, Birbhum, Burdwan, Medinipur, South 24 Parganas and Howrah with prominent diversities in each region.
Following are the steps for making a Kadam which is the most common product made by Shola and can be found in most of the places throughout Bengal.
1.Roll a sheet of shola to form a cylindrical shape
2.Slit into thin slices from the edge to the centre carefully
3.Tie securely with string
4.Slice both ends evenly
5. Repeat the same process in the other side
6.Secure string around big toe
7.Tie the other end of the string around the cylinder
8.Pull away the loose end of the string
9. Pull more to fluff up the flower even further
10.Cut off the loose end of the string

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