News: Kannadippaya recently received Geographical Indication (GI) tag. It is the first tribal handicraft product from Kerala to receive such an honour.
About Kannadippaya
- Kannadippaya is a traditional tribal handicraft from Kerala.
- The name Kannadippaya literally means “mirror mat”, which refers to the mat’s unique reflective surface that resembles a mirror.
- It is handcrafted from the soft inner layers of reed bamboo, giving it a smooth texture and appealing shine.
- The mat provides warmth in winter and a cooling effect in summer, making it ideal for use throughout the year. This dual functionality adds to its uniqueness and utility.
- The craft is mainly practiced and preserved by various tribal communities in Kerala, including the Oorali, Mannan, Muthuva, Malayan, and Kadar tribes.
- Also, artisans from the Ulladan, Malayarayan, and Hill Pulaya communities continue to keep this tradition alive.
- The finest quality Kannadippaya mats are woven using Teinostachyum wightii, a species of reed bamboo. Other bamboo species like Ochlandra sp. are also used in its making.
- Historically, Kannadippaya held ceremonial value. These mats were often presented to kings by tribal communities as a mark of honour and respect, highlighting their cultural and social significance.
