Bamboo Incense Stick Cluster, Nalbari - Design Clinic Scheme

Suggestions on the improvement of the rolling technique
• Use of a planing instrument as shown in the image above - can be a piece of
planed wood or a stiff metal sheet, with a handle.
• Use of a larger and more elevated rolling surface - greater surface area allows
enough space for raw powders and a higher elevation allows better posture
• The planing instrument allows for even and quick rolling
• Use of a larger quantity of kneaded masala for the rolling process
• Dyeing the bamboo stick cores evenly upto a measured distance along the
length - this makes it visually attractive as well as demarcating the area of
coverage using the masala
The above screenshots are from an internet movie on incense stick rolling
in Huè, Vietnam. The artisan sits in a kneeling position at her worktable
with an elevation suitable to keeping the spine straight. The use of a planing
instrument allows for rapid rolling of the sticks and the application of very
• The planing instrument can also be used to neatly cut the top of the rolled
stick to prevent unevenness as shown in the study of raw sticks from the
cluster
even coat of masala. The area to be coated is clearly indicated by the
undyed portion of the stick. The surface comfortably accomodates a large
amount of kneaded masala as well as the scented powder. In case of Nalbari
cluster, this would be charcoal powder.
N.A.S for Bamboo Incense Stick Cluster, Nalbari | 2013 | Mridul Mitra, Design Consultant | Email: mridul.mitra@gmail.com 73