The artistic tradition
Mat-making techniques are traditionally passed down from generation to generation, from a skilled hand to an inexperienced beginner. In some communities, a woman’s worth was once measured by her skill in the art of mat-making. It is hard to document exactly when a new mat design emerged, but what is known is that certain designs characterized a certain village, community, or even a person. Mat patterns are given names, too. The purposes for mats and baskets have remained consistent, but some traditional forms and uses have been modified to suit modern tastes.
- Information in the full article includes
- Historical patterns and motifs
- A pictorial tradition
- Naming patterns
- The future of mats and baskets
