Chettinad Kottan

The Chettinad Kottan is a colourful hand-woven palm-leaf basket made by the women of the Chettinad region in Sivaganga district, traditionally created for ceremonial gifting in the Chettiar community. Slivers of dried palm leaf are dyed in bright colours and then closely plaited by hand into sturdy, geometrically patterned baskets, boxes and trays, with the tight weave and vivid designs marking fine work. The craft was long practised by Chettiar women as a domestic art, and the baskets were used to carry gifts, betel and offerings during weddings and festivals. As mass-produced containers spread, the tradition declined but has been revived through cooperatives that market the kottan to new buyers. Today it provides income to rural women artisans and stands as a distinctive expression of Chettinad's rich domestic and decorative culture.