Madurkathi Mats

Madur Kathi is an age old traditional craft of West Bengal. “Madurkathi” are mats woven from a locally available soft reed called “Madur kottir” in Bengali vernacular. This soft reed is found in the alluvial tracts of East and West Medinipur districts of West Bengal. The mats are beneficial for sitting as well as bedding purposes. The non-conducting property and ability to absorb sweat makes the mat a necessary household item in the hot and humid climate of West Bengal. Madur Kathi is also used for religious purposes. Fairs and festivals are the main markets for these mats. The designs are influenced by local culture and the popular designs are of flower, mouchak, barfi and Jharna. The Madurs are dyed with vegetable dyes only and the vegetable dye used comes from natural sources. Black dye is produced using Haritaki fruit and barks of Babla tree whereas the Red dye is formed from a local tree name Rang gaach. The processing of Madur Kathi and the skillful weaving of Madur mat is a delicate piece of work. The placing of reeds one by one is done very efficiently. The artists of Mahishya community acquire the art of designing and other traditional skills from their ancestors.