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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).
Temporarily sold out.
More on the way from Nepal! |
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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”
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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.
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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.
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