Taking Trees To Craft in Tiruvannamalai
The palm tree is everywhere in Tamil Nadu and several products are made from its leaves. Most often, the leaves are braided together to make mats and baskets, and more recently boxes and table mats. Tiruvannamalai district in northern Tamil Nadu, also known as the abode of elephants, is famous for this craft.
The Making
Palm leaf weaving is intricate work that requires hand-eye coordination and requires great attention to detail, and it is women who do it in great numbers. The process involves using tender palm leaves that are joined together in layers and pressed into different shapes. Dried palm leaves are most frequently used for the whirling pattern. The ivory-coloured tender new leaf of the palm tree, locally known as kuruthu, is also used for weaving.
The Legacy
The palm tree is considered special because all its parts are useful. Dried palm leaves were used to write manuscripts in ancient times. The parts of the palm tree are integral to the art, culture and rituals of the southern state.
Memory Vault
Dried palm fronds provide livelihood to thousands of women across Tamil Nadu. An array of eco-friendly products is made, including boxes, bags, fans, hats, trays and more. The craft is also practised in Pulicat, a Tamil fishing town on the Coromandel Coast where once baskets were made for Dutch settlers.
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