Water Hyacinth, also known as Jal Kumbhi | Mateka | Vengaya Thamarai 🌱: Despite its traditional use in basketry and mats, its application in crafts and homeware have been somewhat limited. Harvesting the plants from clogged waterways, then drying and splitting/twisting the stems, creates a unique natural fibre for weaving, thus contributing to environmental restoration.
Water Hyacinth has sparked our imagination for a different future—one that tackles this issue by innovating new, practical products. How can we leverage waste from invasive species to benefit the environment? Can eradication by utilisation be a way to help this situation? Can it be the next weaving material alongside cane, bamboo, rattan?
Join us in this journey with
@godrejdesignlab and Rope, Madurai as we explore this material in handmade products, a practice that harmonizes nature, craftsmanship, and sustainable living.
More updates soon.