Date:07/11/2009 URL: http://www.thehindu.com/2009/11/07/stories/2009110755470300.htm

Kerala - Kollam

Many takers for ‘hay craft’

Staff Reporter

CARVING A NICHE: Hay craftsman Kadavur K. Babu with a 32-sq ft work depicting a scene in Kuttanad.

KOLLAM: ‘Hay craft’ has come a long way since it took root in Kollam 40 years ago. Artists have introduced innovative techniques that have made these products captivating.

Master craftsman Kadavur K. Babu has designed a 32-sq ft work depicting a typical scene from Kuttanad, claimed to be the biggest ‘hay craft’ done so far. The artist took 65 days to complete the work. It will adorn a houseboat in the Kuttanad waters.

While in the past, hay craftsmen were an impoverished lot due to poor demand for the product, now the products are much in demand from the corporate sector and hospitality industry as showpieces for interior decoration.

Mr. Babu said hay craft products now fetch Rs.1,200 a square feet. Hay craft products by Mr. Babu will be on show at the Indian International Trade Fair to be held at Pragati Maidan, Delhi, from November 14 to 27. Mr. Babu has won several awards, including the national award of the Handicraft Development Commission and the Khadi Commission and the Taj Puraskar.