Bamboo Floor Mat

Dimensions: 165cm long, 80cm wide.
Code: CANE 1121

This Burmese mat, from the early 20th century, most likely originated from Panthanaw, a town in Myanmar (Burma), which is famous for split bamboo mats and other bamboo and cane products. This mat has a double layer; the top has an intricate geometric design, and the simpler base layer provides protection from use. The mats are bound together with a dark cloth trim. Embroidered onto the trim are Tamil initials. These were added to the mat because the Chettiars typically belonged to large joint families, with each branch of the family owning very similar objects of their diasporic heritage. It was important to etch their belongings, valuable or utilitarian, with initials clearly indicating ownership. In excellent condition. A similar Burmese mat can be found in the British Museum’s collection.

These mats would have been brought to India by the Chettiars. The Chettiar community had very close ties with Burma during the time of the British Colonial rule. Many in this community lived and worked in Burma but maintained their ties with their families in South India. They returned for family events such as weddings and major festivals and they also maintained elaborate family homes, filled with fine materials such as Italian marble, Venetian chandeliers, Burmese lacquerware and cane ware. Today the mats are sometimes used as wall hangings rather than floor mats, so as to better appreciate the intricate weaving.