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About this object

History of use

This popular type of basket, commonly sold in stalls within the Temple of Kanyakumari, is purchased by pilgrims and tourists to hold shopping and souvenirs.

Physical description

Part a: Palm leaf basket; basic framework of split palm stalks held in place by over-woven fillets of palm 1 cm. wide which are crossed over at each intersection creating a four-part checkerboard motif. Three rows of this design are in purple, one row of purple and white, and one of purple and red, followed by three rows of purple. Part b: Lid is made from 1 cm. wide fillets of palm leaf dyed two shades of purple, white, green, and red.