Mat Item Number: Ef205 from the MOA: University of British Columbia
Description
Small straw mat of coarse weave. Pattern of weave is sole decoration. Colour is natural. Warp cord is visible at one end where tied off.
History Of Use
The antiquity of mats in India is supported by archaeological evidence and reference in ancient texts. Mats are among the most important items in the daily life of Indian households and fulfill many uses. Small straw mats such as this one are made of heavy grass weft on coarse string warp and sold as pilgrim mats to be used for sitting and kneeling. This mat was purchased at the Puri temple bazaar. Not only has Puri been a popular resort for centuries, but it is also one of the most important ritual centres in India where pilgrims come to worship the presiding Vaishnavite god, Jagannath, at his temple.
Cultural Context
pilgrim mat
Item History
- Made in Puri, Odisha, India before 1975
- Collected during 1975
- Owned by Stephen Inglis before December 2, 1977
- Received from Museum of Anthropology Donations Fund (Funding source) and Stephen Inglis (Seller) on December 2, 1977
What
Who
- Culture
- Oriya
- Previous Owner
- Stephen Inglis
- Received from
- Museum of Anthropology Donations Fund (Funding source) and Stephen Inglis (Seller)
Where
- Holding Institution
- MOA: University of British Columbia
- Made in
- Puri, Odisha, India
When
- Creation Date
- before 1975
- Collection Date
- during 1975
- Ownership Date
- before December 2, 1977
- Acquisition Date
- on December 2, 1977
Other
- Item Classes
- textiles
- Condition
- good
- Accession Number
- 0411/0076