Craft Name: Banana Fibre Craft (Banana Pith / Banana Stem Fibre Craft)

Region: Tamil Nadu, Karnataka, Kerala, Assam, Andhra Pradesh

CRAFT
HISTORY

Banana Fibre Craft has its origins in South India, where banana plants were cultivated extensively for food, rituals, and household use. Traditionally, after harvesting the fruit, the banana pseudostem was considered agricultural waste. Rural communities began extracting fibres from the inner bark to make ropes, mats, cords, and threads. Over generations, artisans developed advanced techniques to convert banana fibre into a soft, glossy, and durable natural textile.

WHAT MAKES IT UNIQUE:

  • Eco-friendly & sustainable: Uses agricultural waste from banana cultivation.
  • Lightweight yet strong fibre: Comparable to jute or hemp in durability.
  • Distinct natural sheen: Golden or beige silky appearance.
  • Biodegradable and chemical-free: No toxic processing involved.
  • Versatile use: Can be woven, braided, twisted, crocheted, or integrated with cotton, jute, or silk.

Received a
GI tag in 2023

COLOURS

  • Natural golden beige
  • Dyed tones: brown, maroon, green, mustard, black
  • Two-tone patterns when blended with cotton or jute

How much time does it take to make a product, and how many artisans are involved in the process?
Depending on product type and detailing it may take 5–10 days and typically 2-6 artisans work on a single piece.

MOTIFS

  • Geometric patterns
  • Temple borders
  • Nature-inspired designs (leaves, flowers, vines)
  • Tribal motifs (especially in Assam and Karnataka)

RAW MATERIAL

  • Banana plant stem (pseudostem)
  • Natural dyes (indigo, turmeric, marigold, bark extracts)
  • Cotton yarn (for blending)
  • Coir/jute ropes
  • Wooden looms or handlooms
  • Metal scrapers and extraction knives
  • Water for retting
  • Starch or natural gum (for stiffening)

CRAFT MAKING PROCESS

from plant to product

HOW TO IDENTIFY GENUINE AND AUTHENTIC CRAFT

  • Natural sheen: A warm golden silk-like appearance.
  • Lightweight but strong: High tensile strength when pulled.
  • Visible fibre texture: Fine thread-like grain on the surface.
  • Natural smell: Mild earthy scent from dried fibres.
  • Eco-friendly look: Slight colour irregularities indicate authenticity.