India · Basketry / Mat Weaving
பத்தமடை பாய் (Pattamadai pai); pattu pai = silk mat; korai pai
Fine mats woven from split korai grass (Cyperus corymbosus) by the Lebbai Muslim community of Pattamadai village, Tirunelveli District, Tamil Nadu. The grass is cut from the Thamirabarani riverbanks, dried, soaked and split into up to 100 or more strands, dyed, and woven on a floor loom over a cotton warp. The finest 'pattu pai' mats have 100 to 140 counts and can be folded like cloth or rolled through a bangle. Traditionally a wedding gift, often with the couple's names woven in. It holds a Geographical Indication (registered 2012–13).
Risk level: Endangered · Not inscribed
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