Handmade Paper Information

A tradition in all Himalayan countries, papermaking has always been an important activity in rural Nepal. Spread throughout the high hill region, papermaking represents a great source of revenue for the hill tribes. Nepalese papers are hand crafted from the bark of a local bush called lokta. Its Western name is Daphne Cannabina or Daphne Papyracea, and it flourishes at an altitude of 6,000 - 9,000 feet. The bush is mostly found amongst conifers or deciduous trees. The bark's fibrous nature makes it an ideal raw material for papermaking.

The cultivation of the lokta plant provides an environmentally sound, self sustaining natural resource for the hill people. If cut 8 inches from its base, the lokta bush grows back, and can be harvested again 4 years later. The lokta fiber is very long and textured, making the paper extremely resistant and durable. The plant also has the advantage of being a natural insect repellent.

The dried bark is first cooked in an ash solution in order to soften the fibers. After being washed in pure Himalayan water, the bark is cut into small pieces. The bark is then cooked and rinsed a second time. When this process is finished, the fibers are crushed on a large flat rock. Mixed with clear water, the fibers finally become a fine paste.

The bark is then ready to be made into a sheet of paper. The mixture is poured onto the surface of a screen that is half immersed in water. The mould is then gently shaken order to even out the pulp. The mould is removed from the water and laid in the sun to dry slowly and naturally. When the water has completely evaporated, the sheet of paper is complete.