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Design Resource
Handloom Kora Grass Mat - Vellore
Mat Weaving
by
Prof. Bibhudutta Baral, Divyadarshan C. S. and Lija M G
Tools and Raw Materials
Ground (Hand) loom tools and raw materials at Vaniyambadi:
- Cotton thread: It is generally used to weave the kora grass.
- Kora grass: It is collected from the water areas nearby, wherever it is commonly grown.
- Knife: It is used to cut the extra threads, kora grasses.
- Coconut leaf shelter: It is changed once in every two- three years to provide a better shelter for the ground loom.
- Katalae Nool Kadhira: It is a tool used to twist the sisal fiber to the thread form.
- Maezuthatae: Bamboo piece is used to support the foot while weaving.
- Pallani manae: Wooden piece placed under the woven mat for the sitting support during weaving.
- Bricks: These are placed below the woven mat for the sitting support during weaving.
- Mukoonam kol: Three sticks placed in triangle shape to rise the warp threads for continuous weaving.
- Vaalae: Bamboo stick is placed in between the cotton threads to separate the two threads.
- Pithaalae: Slender wood piece used to insert the kora grass in-between the cotton threads.
- Sisal fiber: It is used to stitch the edges of the woven kora grass mat.
- Thin coir ropes: It is placed along with the kora grass at the edges to provide stiffness.
- Water: Kora grass, sisal fibers are immersed in little water before the process to avoid breakages.
- Thick coir ropes: It is used to tie the Mukoonam kol (three sticks) firmly to each other.
- Gunny Bags and cloth: It is used as a cushion for the weaver during weaving.
