The Egyptians used it Paper mache was also used to make, would you believe it , paper boats by the Americans. They found paper formed one of the most durable and flexible material based on which a proper seamless and nicely moulded paper boat can be made. Paper allowed the length to be increased or decreased as per the requirement.
Other major products made of
paper mache that took place yesteryears included the paper masks that were the predominant feature of all kinds of carnivals and so many other items of daily use. Basically paper mache refers to the composite material consisting of layers of paper or paper pulp that is sometimes reinforced with textile, etc and bound together with a binding material. And binding substance can be anything from an adhesive to a gum, glue, and starch or wall paper paste.
Besides the regions mentioned above, Persia and Kashmir in India have had a long and rich tradition of using paper mache to create really ethnically valuable artifacts and of course products that can easily find place in any impressive list of home dcor requirements. The Kashmiris, in fact used paper mache to design and produce boxes trays, etc. The artisans of course, would paint these boxes and trays to lend that all important killer looks.
It is a well entrenched cottage industry!
Paper mache today is a widely practiced cottage industry that thrives all over India. Though all the same, it is states such as Jammu & Kashmir, Bihar, Tamil Nadu, West Bengal that stand out of the lot as there is more paper mache work happening in them.
Today , you have paper mache made or rather handcrafted lamps, fruit baskets, wooden boxes that not only serve as a show piece but also to keep certain valuables, plates, bowls and figurines like elephants, tortoises, etc. The choices are actually much, much more than what has been mentioned in this space.
Pen stands and ash trays two other products that immediately comes to the mind. Paper mache products lend themselves beautifully to the surroundings. And it is most certainly not just looks. You can rest assured that any paper mache product would last the distance and is extremely durable.
It is actually a perfect blend of the ethnic with that of the contemporary. Modern touches given to the products made employing this traditional craft has given the world so much to relish.
