Mat Item Number: Ef199 from the MOA: University of British Columbia

Description

Rectangular grass mat of fine regular weave. The mat has a large border around all sides in purple on a natural-coloured ground. The border has many bands ranging in thickness and motifs. The outer band has a geometric motif. The middle band has a floral motif. The band closest to the centre has a pair of elephants on one end and horses on the other, all facing inwards. The centre is without design. Long weaving threads are tied off at one end.

History Of Use

The antiquity of woven mats in India is supported by archaeological evidence and references in ancient texts. Mats are among the most important of household items in every strata of society. They are essential to most domestic activities and are used in sleeping, eating, sitting, and entertaining. The finest mats of West Bengal are woven of madur grass, grown and harvested by weavers of Hindu cultivator castes. This village-based industry is now assisted by the West Bengal Home Industry Board to establish cooperatives for mat transport and marketing.

Iconographic Meaning

Both the elephant, vehicle of Indra and associated with Ganesh, remover of obstacles, and the horse, are auspicious symbols and represent good luck.

Cultural Context

floor covering

Item History

What

Name
Mat
Identification Number
Ef199
Type of Item
mat
Material
grass, cotton fibre and dye
Manufacturing Technique
split, woven and dyed
Overall
height 176.0 cm, width 109.0 cm

Who

Culture
Bengali
Previous Owner
Stephen Inglis
Received from
Museum of Anthropology Donations Fund (Funding source) and Stephen Inglis (Seller)

Where

Holding Institution
MOA: University of British Columbia
Made in
Kholaberia, West Bengal, India

When

Creation Date
before 1975
Collection Date
during 1975
Ownership Date
before December 2, 1977
Acquisition Date
on December 2, 1977

Other

Item Classes
textiles; basketry
Condition
good
Accession Number
0411/0080