Mat Item Number: Eg58 from the MOA: University of British Columbia
Description
Rectangular grass mat of superfine regular weave. The mat is natural-coloured with several bands of dark red, orange and green at both ends. One end is stamped: ‘120 count' and the other 'fine mat society’. There are red tassels in each corner.
History Of Use
The antiquity of woven mats in India is supported by archaeological evidence and references in the ancient texts. Mats are among the most important items in household furnishings in every strata of Indian society and are essential to most domestic activities and used in eating, sleeping, sitting, and entertaining. The Pattamadai mats are woven of wild korai grass which is collected twice a year. It is slit into strips, dyed, and woven into mats on a simple frame floor-loom, utilizing a string warp. The mat is finished with a polishing stone. Specialist groups of weavers are known in Tamil Nadu both among Hindu and Muslim peoples. Many mats are now marketed through co-operatives.
Cultural Context
domestic
Item History
- Made in Tirunelveli, Tamil Nadu, India
- Collected during 1976
- Owned by Stephen Inglis before December 2, 1977
- Received from Museum of Anthropology Donations Fund (Funding source) and Stephen Inglis (Seller) on December 2, 1977
What
Who
- Culture
- Tamil
- 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
- Tirunelveli, Tamil Nadu, India
When
- Collection Date
- during 1976
- Ownership Date
- before December 2, 1977
- Acquisition Date
- on December 2, 1977
Other
- Item Classes
- textiles; basketry
- Condition
- good
- Accession Number
- 0411/0074