Manipuri Kauna Rush Weaving Thoubal Manipur

Kauna rush (Typha angustata — narrowleaf cattail) weaving in Thoubal and Bishnupur districts of Manipur uses the cylindrical stem of the aquatic rush plant harvested from the marshy edges of Loktak Lake and seasonal wetlands for producing traditional sleeping mats, prayer mats, baskets, and lightweight furniture. Kauna rush is harvested at peak maturity (September-October) when the stem is 1 to 2 metres long, straight, and fully formed but before it becomes too fibrous and brittle. After harvest the stems are sun-dried for 5 to 7 days until they reach a pale straw colour and flexible but firm texture. Weaving is done by women in a simple two-strand twining technique (no loom required) — two parallel runner strands are twisted around each rush stem in alternating sequence, locking each stem in position. Pattern is created by varying the colour of rush stems: some are dyed with natural aniline or earth dyes before weaving. The distinctive herringbone pattern is created by slanting the rush stems. Kauna mats are used traditionally for sleeping, prayer, and festival seating and are exported from Manipur as light, naturally fragrant floor mats. Manipur Kauna craft cooperatives supply the state emporium, online retail, and export buyers in Southeast Asia. Training in contemporary design adaptation for premium yoga mat and natural fiber furniture market provided by the Manipur Crafts Development Corporation.