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Context

• The Jaderi namakatti was given the GI tag by the Geographical Indications Registry in Chennai recently.

Details

• Jaderi Namakatti is a traditional product made in the small village of Jaderi, located in the Cheyyar taluk of the Tiruvannamalai district in Tamil Nadu, India.

Production Process

• Raw Material: Jaderi Namakatti is crafted from a rich deposit of hydrous silicate minerals, which form fine grain particles of clay.
• Shaping Process: Skilled artisans from the village process the clay, shaping it into finger-like structures with a smooth texture, typically white in color.
• Climatic Dependence: The production of Namakatti heavily relies on favorable climatic conditions, as the drying process requires abundant sunlight.

Cultural Significance

• Traditional Usage: Jaderi Namakatti holds significant cultural value and is traditionally used for various purposes. It is primarily used to adorn the foreheads of idols, men, and temple elephants in religious ceremonies and rituals.
• Therapeutic Use: Additionally, Jaderi Namakatti has been utilized traditionally for treating stretch marks caused by childbirth, serving as a local remedy with cultural importance.
• Occupational Heritage: The production of Namakatti has been the primary occupation of around 120 families in the Cheyyar taluk for centuries, contributing to the cultural and economic fabric of the region.

Conclusion

The official recognition or tag for Jaderi Namakatti highlights the cultural and historical significance of this traditional craft, underscoring the need to preserve and promote this indigenous art form as an essential part of the region's cultural heritage.

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