Picture Details
A Bari leaf worker
Partner:
British LibraryImage reference:
BL.Add.27255.f.217vOrigin:
Central, IndiaArtist / Date:
Unknown, 1825Description:
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This picture is taken from the Tashrih-al-aqam, a manuscript in Persian detailing the origins and occupations of some of the sects, castes and tribes of India. It was compiled for the famous soldier of fortune of mixed race, Colonel James Skinner (1778-1841), who raised Skinner's Horse in India in 1803. It shows a man from the caste of leaf-makers, who made plates and cups from dried leaves. Leaves have traditionally been used by Indians for centuries as an early form of disposable cups and plates. This is still an important cottage industry in India, providing a source of income to many. Most of the leaves are taken from natural vegetation, primarily from the forests of central India, the states of Madhya Pradesh, Andhra, Bihar and Maharashtra leading the production. They are harvested by forest tribes called Adivasis, then dried and packed in jute bags. Tendu or Kendu leaves (Diospyros melanoxylon) are also used to wrap tobacco and form the Indian cigarette called the beedi. Other varieties of leaves formed into utensils are betel leaves, sal leaves, lotus leaves and siali leaves.
