Reed Mat Weaving (Madur) - Medinipur, Kolkata
Weaving mat is a method where organic fibers turned into strips are plaited to form a structure. It is similar to any other weaving process but executed without the use of any high-end machines. Here firstly, the artisan keeps locally grown reed stalks ready. Then using a wooden mallet, bamboo sticks are knocked to the ground and fit the handloom to it. Later, by arranging the jute yarn strings with a wooden comb's help, the handloom frame is prepared. When the frame is ready, the artisan starts weaving the reed stalk one at a time, going through alternative strings. This is repeated multiple times until the intended length for the mat is achieved. Here the strips are woven in accordance with a predetermined pattern. Now with the help of a wooden comb, the reed stalks are pushed together and knotted at both ends. And as the last step, the extra reeds hanging from both sides are cut to give the mat a finishing touch.
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