Sigi rattan is one of the raw materials for handicrafts that is popular in Central Kalimantan, especially in Kahayan Hilir. Rattan has strong and flexible properties, making it suitable for making various kinds of crafts, such as chairs, tables, baskets, etc. Handling rattan raw materials for wickerwork is one of the important factors that determines the quality of woven products.
Handling raw materials, selecting materials and making the process ready for weaving is part of the support for the Integrated Peat Forest Ecosystem Management Program (PTEHG) for the peat swamp economic business group or KUPS in Kahayan Hilir. Activities were held on November 27-30 in Buntoi Village and Gohong Village. This training was facilitated by a rattan weaving expert, namely Niang (45).
“Processing rattan raw materials into woven rattan requires high skill and precision. The process of handling rattan raw materials for woven materials consists of selecting good and quality rattan, the drying process, removing the epidermis or shredded bark, second drying, the process of disposing of books or lingkingking, the process of splitting round rattan into several sheets, the shaving process or haircut process, and “Finally, the shredding process,” said Niang.
According to Niang, the process of shaving or combing is a process that needs to be paid careful attention because it has 3 levels, namely the first comb to remove the inside of the rattan or rattan heart, the second comb to flatten the sheets evenly, and the third comb to repeat the removal of the rattan heart to produce a level of thinness. which is equal.
“Handling rattan raw materials with high sales value can be seen from the scraping process, namely shaving with a knife or langgei which is done repeatedly until it produces thin strands of rattan so that it is easy to weave and shape according to the product you want to make,” explained Niang.
Niang said that when the scraping process is complete, continue the process of selecting the rattan strands that have been shaved to be separated according to the desired color. Then, preparation for the coloring process then soaking in mud for one night. This aims to tie the color to the rattan sheets that will be made.
“The coloring process is complete, so continue taking and cleaning the soaked sheets to enter the coloring process, interspersed with the process of boiling water in a pan while the coloring material is prepared. The coloring process is made from natural ingredients, namely tapanggang leaves, kalabuau leaves, turmeric. “The boiling process takes around 3-4 hours on a medium stove,” said Niang
Niang continued that after the boiling process is complete, the raw materials are ready to be woven with various motifs. The rattan weaving process can be done using various techniques, such as mat weaving, hat weaving, bracelet weaving, shoe weaving and others.
Proper handling will produce rattan raw materials that are strong, flexible and easy to weave. Apart from that, rattan raw materials will produce quality and durable woven products.
Source: Training Activity Report on Handling Rattan Raw Materials for Rattan Weaving in Gohong Village and Buntoi Village
Author: Alma Tiara
Editor: Aftrinal
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