Temple of the Tooth ceremonial ivory-inlaid fan handles: turned Kitul palm woodworking?
What artisanal lathe chisels and natural shellac polishes shape the segmented ceremonial fan shafts (Watapatha) presented to Buddhist monastic prelates?
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3 Answers from travellers
The ceremonial monastic fan (Watapatha) presented to Mahanayaka Theros during ecclesiastical appointments features a hand-turned handle crafted from dense heartwood of mature Kitul palm (Caryota urens) or buffalo horn. On the woodturning lathe, master turners carve complex baluster profiles, bead moldings, and interlocking collar joints. Historic regalia pieces feature inlays of carved bone, silver wire, and natural mother-of-pearl set into recessed timber rings, polished with natural beeswax and friction-melted amber shellac to produce a satin ecclesiastical finish.
The circular fan blade is embroidered from satin or velvet, framed with gold-bullion braid and centered on a silk-embroidered Dharmachakra wheel.
Using real elephant ivory for new fan handles has been banned under national wildlife laws; master artisans substitute carved Tagua palm nuts (vegetable ivory).
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