Kannadipaya gets GI Tag

Context

Kannadippaya, a unique tribal handicraft from Kerala, recently received the Geographical Indication (GI) tag, ensuring market protection and a global platform for this traditional product

Kannadipaya

• It is a traditional craft from Kerala that uses reed bamboo to weave baskets, mats, and other daily use items.

• Kannadipaya, crafted by Urali, Mannan, and Muthuvan tribal communities, is made using Teinostachyum wightii (a species of bamboo), which the tribal people call ‘njoonjiletta.

• The mat has a polished surface, which is smooth and reflects light like a mirror. Hence, the name kannadipaya (kannadi meaning mirror and paya meaning mat).

• It takes more than a month for a weaver to complete a kannadipaya.

• It is woven with a specific layer of slivers – the fourth or fifth, which can be made ultra-thin and shiny – split out of a reed bamboo species endemic to the region.

• The bamboo collection is a full-moon ritual, with each expedition to the forest and back extending to a day and night

GI (Geographical Indication) Tag

• A GI tag is a name or sign used on certain products that correspond to a specific geographical location or origin.

• The GI tag ensures that only the authorised users or those residing in the geographical territory are allowed to use the popular product name.

• It also protects the product from being copied or imitated by others.

• A registered GI is valid for 10 years.

• GI registration is overseen by the Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade under the Ministry of Commerce and Industry.

• The Geographical Indications of Goods (Registration and Protection) Act, 1999 seeks to provide for the registration and better protection of geographical indications relating to goods in India.