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Bamboo Mats: A Sacred Craft Faces Scarcity
11 Oct
Summary
- Traditional mirror mats take 40-50 days to weave, involving delicate bamboo splitting.
- Kannadippaya mats, a tribal handicraft, received a GI tag in 2023.
- Scarce endemic bamboo threatens production, limiting output significantly.
In Kerala's tribal settlements, the intricate craft of weaving Kannadippaya mats is facing an existential threat. These traditional mats, renowned for their mirror-like sheen derived from skillfully split bamboo, can take 40 to 50 days to produce. The craft, deeply embedded in indigenous cultures like the Muthuvan and Oorali communities, involves a process considered sacred and requires utmost devotion.
Last year, Kannadippaya received a Geographical Indication (GI) tag, a recognition that began in 2019 and aimed to improve artisans' remuneration. The tag has spurred the development of new products like bags and purses, fostering greater participation, particularly among women.
However, the essential Njoonjiletta bamboo species, endemic to the Western Ghats, is becoming increasingly scarce. This scarcity, coupled with significant production wastage, severely limits output. One artisan reported being unable to fulfill an overseas order for 2,000 mats, capable of producing only 20.
Restoration efforts are underway, with organizations collecting seedlings to address the shortage. Yet, the challenge extends beyond resource availability. Younger generations are reluctant to learn the laborious craft, and artisans are compelled to use alternative bamboo types that may not yield the characteristic shine, threatening the cultural heritage of Kannadippaya.
