Buying curios and collectables is a charming part of travel and there's no better way to retain the cherished memories and the feel of a destination than by picking up mementoes that best represent the place. If you're looking for an ideal souvenir to carry back with you from Nepal, we would say this is it. These dolls made of maize husks by Laxmi Nakarmi and her three sisters in Patan not only represent Nepalese culture but also celebrates homegrown elements that are incorporated in the design of the dolls. Curious? More below.
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Laxmi took up corn husk art as a hobby in her 20s when she read in a magazine about using corn husks to make decorations for Christmas in the United States. Inspired by it, Laxmi started making art from recycled corn husks and currently makes it from within a rented apartment in the alleyways of the ancient city of Patan with her staff. What started off as a hobby soon became a lucrative business. The Nepalese artist and entrepreneur first made dolls in small quantities for handicraft stores around Kathmandu. But later, as the art started gaining popularity, realised the need to include more character and diversity in her art. Now, her dolls represent various ethnicities like Newari, Khas-Pahadi, Raute (a nomadic ethnic group from Nepal), Kirat, Sherpa, Jhakri. They are meticulously crafted complete with facial expressions, and intricately detailed, colourful attire. Other souvenirs made by Laxmi and her team include keychains, boxes, animals and more which are made using corn husk and biodegradable materials. Depending upon the order size, Laxmi employs local women, some of whom have disabilities and yet are dedicated to investing their time in creating art with her.
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Nepal's weather conditions, typography, and hilly terrain make it suitable to grow maize. It is one of the cash crops of the Himalayan region. The remains of the maize are burned or left as waste, which ultimately rots. Converting the waste into lucrative produce is indeed a case of making the 'best out of waste.'
So the next time you visit the country, after you are done with your sightseeing tour, trekking expedition or adventure sports, a quick stopover at Laxmi's for a culturally-rich experience that will be well worth your while.
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