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Three Wooden And Metal Tapioca Graters
During the hard times in Malaya like the great depression of the 1930's, temporary slumps in the economy or the Japanese occupation there was rarely enough to eat and there was never enough rice to go round. Hunger was common and people were often starving. Consequently a substitute - Tapioca- was employed.
This root of the Cassava Tree is a tough, almost tasteless form of starch which is indigestible for many people in its original form. Consequently it had to be grated into small pieces and boiled until it was soft enough to eat and fill an empty stomach. Even then the amount of actual nutrition gained was minimal.
The grater on the left above is a home made device of wood with small steel blades inserted in it by hand. It has been so well used that almost all the blades have worn away. The grater measures 40cmX10cm.
On the right are two more examples, one similar to the one on the left and one in galvanised steel. These two are most likely commercially produced.