Chettinad Kottan (Palm-leaf Baskets)

Kottan are baskets plaited from tender palmyra leaf by the women of Chettinad. The leaves are split, dried and dyed in bright colours, then woven into square-based baskets with checked, striped or figurative patterns; kottans in graded sizes carried rice, sweets and gifts in Chettiar wedding and festival exchanges. Revived with the support of the M.Rm.Rm. Cultural Foundation, Chettinad Kottan was registered as a Geographical Indication in 2013.