Peru

BAMBOO SPLITS - Bamboo splits make up the core of masala incenses, such as those from India. The incense paste is hand rolled onto the split and the paste is coated with a light dusting of sandalwood powder.

These are premium quality bamboo splits from Nepal. These splits are hand sorted to assure only the best quality to you. 8" sticks. Available in either a 100 stick roll or a 7 roll bundle (700 sticks).

MORTAR AND PESTLE: This simple and attractive mortar and pestle would be an invaluable tool for any incense making project. It has a versatile and sturdy design, as well as a pouring lip for ease of use. Made from pure white porcelain ceramic, the mortar and pestle is available in two different sizes to accommodate your needs.The bowl is glazed on the outside (except for the bottom), and is unglazed on the inside.The pestle is glazed partway down the handle, with an unglazed end.

Lead-free and dishwasher safe.

Small measures: 3 1/4'” x 1 7/8”
Large measures: 4 5/8” x 2 1/4”

NEPALI LOKTA PAPER: (Often called rice paper) The paper is made from the bark of the Lokta bush, an evergreen shrub of the Daphne species, found in the mountainous parts of Nepal above 6500 feet. They can grow up to 10 feet in height and 2 inches in diameter, and are usually ready to be pruned four years after they sprout. When the stalk reaches 1 1/2 inches in diameter it is ready to harvest. At that point, the bark is easily removed.

The stalk of this sustainable bush is cut 8 inches above the ground and easily grows again from its embedded roots.Once the plant is cut and the bark removed, it is softened by soaking it in a water solution of ash or caustic soda in order to soften it for 72 hours; then it is cleaned the knots are removed, washed again in water, and dried before being stored. Once the dried, clean bark is cooked in a large vessel of water, it is taken out and rinsed, then beaten on an iron or stone plate with a wooden rod. Using a heavier device can destroy the fibers, making the paper weak. The pulp is then tipped out onto a wooden sieve floating on the surface of a trough of water. The craftsman then delicately shakes the sieve to spread out the pulp to form the sheet before leaving it out in the sun to dry. Once the water has completely evaporated, the paper sheet is ready.

The paper is whitened naturally by hanging it outside for days until the effects of the sun bleach it white.

Handmade Nepalese paper, besides serving as a very durable writing material since ages past, is used by indigenous people for a variety of purposes. From making paper and charms to ward off evil spirits and used in rituals and for making incense, it is also applied to heal cuts and fractures.

The harvesting of Lokta serves many important purposes as well. It allows the plants root growth to accelerate to help hold the soil in place during the two monsoon seasons Nepal gets every year, and it is the only export crop the remote villages have, giving them a sustainable form of income, making for a better standard of living by providing this socially responsible and environmentally sustainable gift. Nepalese legal and legislative documents are printed on Lokta paper because it is so durable.

Our Lokta paper is sold in a packet of 5 sheets. Each sheet is approximately 20"x28". Imported directly from Nepal.