Sheetal Pati Mat Weaving of Assam

Sheetal pati (cool mat) is woven from the stems of the murta reed (Schumannianthus dichotoma), a water-loving plant that grows along river banks and lowlands of the Barak Valley in Cachar district, Assam. The word sheetal means cool or refreshing — the mat has a natural cooling quality that makes it prized for sleeping and prayer use in the hot months. Harvested reed stems are split longitudinally, bleached in sunlight, and soaked before weaving. The weave is a diagonal interlacing pattern producing a smooth, slightly lustrous surface. Mat sizes range from small prayer mats (asan) to large room floor mats. Both Hindu and Muslim women of the Barak Valley communities weave sheetal pati as a traditional household skill and source of income. The craft has received state government support under the Assam Weaver Service Centre scheme. Export to Bangladesh and to Indian domestic craft buyers is handled through cooperative networks.