Mashakali : Ancient Leather Waterbottle

The use of leather good is as old as human history, but with passing time their usage are being limited. Mashak is one of these goods. So, with the help of instructables I want to make Mashak in modern style.

Mashak often called khawa, usually made of waterproofed goat-skin, from North India, Pakistan and Nepal. Traditionally it was used by shepherd foe storing and carrying water and made its popularity in India too. But now it is in edge of extinction.with some modification it can also be used as instruements.

So much history, its time to get our hands dirty

Mashak could be made in just few easy step, the important things which are required are--:

1) Goat skin,( fresh leather is highly recommended)

2)Resilient thread for stiching of nylon or polyster

Get ready with your goat skin it is better not to use readymade leather because it has been emulsified with so many chemicals. Mashak is used for drinking thus it's highly preferred to use natural skin which we can get from butcher shop in our local market.

Soak the skin with salt and water and let it dry for few days repeat this process twice. Once this process is done leather will be optimally fit for use.

Arrange thread too and do not use cotton thread , as the tanins in the leather will erode the thread over time. Instead, use polyester or nylon.

Now stitch the newly made leather using polyster or nylon thread. No precise measurement of leather is required just make a rough measurement for stitching as it mainly depend upon size of goat skin. What we have to look is that we have to ensure boundaries are stitched properly as it may cause leak in future .

The hair side must be facing outside and white side(in image) must be in inner side while stitching ,where our water will be stored. Cover the leg holes and anus with hard cloth and stitch it and leave neck hole area.

Just the game of stitching. Imao

It's time for some decoration ,stitch the shoulder band from area running goats neck to it's legs which will help us to hang and handle our monstrous water bottle .

Decorate it with some nice caps and leather bands ,which I have provided in 2D picture .Rub the inner wall of mashak by fragrant liquids which will give better taste to water and will remove the tanning smell.

Masterpieces are only created with masterpiece like efforts ,

so,I leave it to you for amendments in creativity process.

The final step , you are ready to reap your hardwork ,we have created ancient water cooler storage in just few easy steps.

For better usage we must insure these things

1) Due to natural leather it may get some leaks with time thus it has to be repaired within 6 months.

2) Mashak is made up of pure leather so we should keep it in direct sunlight for long or it will be worn out

3) Wash properly before using mashak as it may make water bad taste

Leather drinking vessels are closely associated with the social history of the country and their use continues to the present day.

I would like to end my project with few words that whether it be Mashak or Jack leather water bottle they are legacy of our history and they are better than plastics too. We must encourage these products by DIY making our buying from markets .If you like then you may try my 'Mashakali ' project in just few easy steps.