Athangudi Tiles - Karaikudi
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Red oxide mixture is poured on glass slab to create design
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Women artisans are also involved in tile making craft
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Designed tiles are arranged and kept to dry
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Skilled artisans involved in tiles making process
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Artisan transferring raw materials to the work place
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Finished products are kept under sun shade to dry
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Athangudi tile designed with geometrical motif
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Vibrant colors are used to make floral designs on the tiles
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One form of design is divided and made on four different tiles separately and joined together
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Latest designs are made to keep up with the market trend
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The most commonly used motifs are geometric and floral designs/patterns
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Traditional floral design used in Athangudi tile making from centuries
Athangudi tiles are handmade tiles which are used to decorate the interiors (floors, walls etc.) of houses. The craft is popularly known as 'Pokal' (local language) in Tamil Nadu. The products are mainly tiles, which are made in different sizes and shapes. Some of the designs are (locally) known as Socate, Uttapo, Star, Kolimutakall, Vatathamary Ilango design, Papatikal (Kerala design), minalkoodi, Vavakamalam, khombabukal, Sashtikal, Valavumkamalae, Katachokata design.
It is the traditional looks of Athangudi tiles in geometric and floral designs, dark, earthy hues and black and white collection for borders, and the center-spread of swans or birds, which lend/give a carpet-like feel on the floor
