Stuff We Love: Cement Lamps by The Purple Turtles – Oorjaa

The paper used in Oorjaa lamps is from banana fibre, which is extracted from the truck of adult banana trees, after they have run their course and are cut. Or from lokta, the bark of mulberry trees form North-east India. These two materials have a high cellulose content and a longer fibre length so the paper is very strong. The way we process it, without the use of harsh chemicals, not just retains its inherent strength but gives it greater translucency and an amazing malleability that allows us to sculpt it the way we do.