MAT

Mat weaving is one of the important crafts of West Bengal providing seasonal employment to about twenty five thousand artisans, spread over the district of Midnapur, Howrah, 24-Parganas (N), Burdwan, Birbhum, Nadia and North & South Dinajpur. Three different varieties of mats are produced in the state of which ‘Masland’ is the superfine variety. The other two varieties are called ‘Ekhara’ and ‘Dohara’ mats. ‘Masland’ mat is liked by all for its cool comfort, finer texture and beautiful designs. Other mat products include tablemat, furnishing material, wall hangings, lampshade etc.
   
Another kind of mat called ‘Sitalpati’ woven with different plants (Maranta Dichojoma) are also manufactured by the artisans of some districts like Cooch Behar, North & South Dinajpur , Nadia etc.