TranslateKora grass mats, known as pattamadai pai when woven in the fine style of Pattamadai in Tirunelveli district, are among Tamil Nadu's most refined weaving traditions. The finest examples are so soft and closely woven that they can be folded like cloth, and were historically presented as wedding gifts and to visiting dignitaries.
Origin district
Tirunelveli, at Pattamadai on the Thamirabarani river
Materials
Kora grass (korai), natural and chemical dyes
Typical uses
Sleeping and sitting mats, prayer mats, wedding gifts
Where to buy
Pattamadai weaver societies, Poompuhar emporiums
Korai grass is harvested from the banks of the Thamirabarani, split into fine strands and soaked in running water for several days to soften. The strands are dried, dyed if required, and woven on a horizontal loom. The finer the split of the grass, the higher the thread count and the softer the finished mat.
The finest grade takes weeks to weave and can carry woven patterns, names or dates. Ordinary grades are thicker and quicker to produce.
Pattamadai mats hold a Geographical Indication tag. The village's weaving families, many of them from the local Muslim Labbai community, have produced these mats for generations. Their reputation was established when finely woven mats were presented as gifts on state occasions, and the finest grades continue to be made to order.
Pattamadai lies on the Thamirabarani river near Tirunelveli, and weaver societies there sell directly and demonstrate the process. Poompuhar and Co-optex showrooms stock the mats. Nearby Tirunelveli town, Courtallam falls and the Thamirabarani riverside make a good combined itinerary.
