THE PAO BASKET
It was my long cherished dream to revive some old Goan lifestyle accessories to the extent that they can suit modern ways of life.
My fascination for antiques made me collect many such items from my ancestral Goan homes. Some of these were tattered and in a worn out condition whereas some were very much intact.
Thus, I am very fortunate to possess this collection of beauties of the past used by our forefathers a couple of generations back.
Our Vintage Goan Wooden Tableware is named after this often neglected, simple yet beautiful flower, sadafuli.
Presenting a variety of handcrafted wooden vintage Goan tableware to revive some of the lost traditions of native Goans.
Some of the items from our series were used directly to serve, whereas a few others were for mixing, kneading etc.
Though most of the utensils used in Goa were made of brass, copper, certain alloys and clay, there were a few wooden items which we are reviving through our ‘Sadafuli Series’.
| SADAFULI SERIES |
I am delighted to have revived a variety of handcrafted vintage Goan wooden ware (for everyday use) reflecting some of the lost traditions of native Goans.
This elongated wooden artefact of our Goan ancestors was used to knead dough to make bread (rotis/bhakris).
Owing to the joint family system, the need for a large vessel became inevitable.
During earlier times, before the stove or burner system came into existence, people not only in Goa but all over India would burn wood for fire, either for boiling water or for cooking food.
The kneaded dough, sometimes left to rise overnight, generally of red rice (Ukde tandul), was first tapped into a circular shape by fingertips and the flat bread was roasted on a tava placed on a laterite stone burner (chool) and later grilled on the heated charcoal below, to produce a fully blown rice phulka called tandlachi bhakri in Konkani.
It is one of the most nutritious, organic and wholesome breads one can ever relish.
I remember recording the entire process and also enjoying these with Gavti xacuti in a remote village of Goa.
Today, this has been replaced by loaves of readymade bread.
Thanks to a few Indian nutritionists, the culture of whole grain Indian rotis is being revived.
Item No.2 PAO BASKET - HANDCRAFTED
The size of this has been reduced to half of the original, taking into account today’s tiny nuclear families.
The baskets have been seasoned with 100% organic oil.
The present generation can use this beautifully revived and embellished wooden piece of the past for placing rotis or bread like the local Goan Polis, unde, pao, rings (Kaaknâ) or sliced bread.
It can be used as a centrepiece on the coffee table or for any other utility.
It can also be kept as a souvenir of Goan culture or an addition to your collection of artefacts.
These products are treated with 100% natural organic, double refined oils on the inner side and can be directly used for serving hot or cold food.
A protective coat has been applied over the artwork on the outer side.
All the products belonging to this series have been carved out of a single piece of wood, by hand, hence no two pieces will be exactly identical.
Also, due to the use of some old handcrafting tools, each item may not be fully symmetrical. Some odd defects or inlays in wood have been left in their original nature to add to its authenticity.
For the love of Goa 💖
RNK
Insta @goa.decor
GALLERY: F8, Silvio Heights, 1st floor, St-Inez, Panaji - Goa
Also at: Qiinza Lifestyle Store, Khorlim, Assagao - Goa
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