Palm Leaf Work of Andhra Pradesh

Palmyra is a fan palm locally found in Nellore. Its leaves are used for thatching and weaving. Moungu akku or the central portion of the leaf is used for weaving baskets that are woven by the women of agricultural communities for storing agricultural produce.

A  knife, blade, and a machine are used for splitting the leaves. Palm leaf strips are braided, plaited and interlaced in various ways to create large containers. The strips are sometimes dyed to provide additional patterns to the articles. A moving strip wraps around a spiral core of palm leaf strands and interlocks succeeding coils in a series of knots. The desired shape is achieved by changing the direction of the spiral.

Since the raw material is resourceful and adaptable it is transformed into various items like hats, sunshades, umbrellas, different types and sizes of baskets, jadi/jar cover, mats, trays, garlands, vases, pen holders, wall hangers, and even beer mug holders.