maravuri plant

Tribal populations of Kerala are rich in ethnobotanical information. Muthuvan tribes of Idukki district are experts in preparing Maravuri, a type of cloth from the bark tree Aranjali [Antiaris toxicaria (Pers.) Lesch.].This skilled work was carried out after constructing tall supports around the tree, require much experience. The cork is carefully removed with a sharp knife; bark is softened by beating with wooden hammers, and separated and cured by sun drying. It is used as bed spread. As modernization is fast progressing, the new generation is unaware of the technical know how to prepare the bark for cloth. So, it is highly important to record and preserve such valuable information.