With its unique charm, Kannadipaya of Idukki's tribal artisans lands GI tag

KNOWN for its intriguing design and light-refractive properties, the kannadipaya, a unique bamboo mat made by tribal artisans of Idukki, has remained unrecognised to the outside world — up until now.

- NEJMA SULAIMAN @ Idukki

Through its efforts from 2022, the Peechi, Thrissur-based Kerala Forest Research Institute (KFRI) has helped the product land a Geographical Indication (GI) tag.

Being the only handmade craft from Kerala to get a GI tag, authorities expect the recognition to improve the livelihood of tribal communities engaged in mat making, besides curbing the misuse of the traditional craft.

Speaking to TNIE, KFRI research scientist A V Raghu said that until recently, the kannadipaya, crafted by Urali, Mannan and Muthuvan tribal communities, was believed to have been made using the reed bamboo, belonging to the genus Ochlandra, ten species of which are endemic to the state.