Kora Mats from Killimangalam

Killimangalam is a village of Thrissur district and in 2006, it received a rare honour? the seal of excellence of UNESCO. It was because the village safeguarded an indigenous and valuable tradition of weaving Kora grass mats. These intricately designed mats having maroon and black colours worked into patterns are also notable for their durability. The local Kurava community is mainly involved in this craft. They collect Kora grass and split it into thin pieces. It is then woven into mats of various sizes and designs. In 1992, the Union Ministry for Textiles honoured Mr. U. Chammy, a grass mat weaver from Killimangalam with the Master Craftsman Award.