GOA CHAIRS - The art of 'caning'

GOA CHAIR

Standard Wooden chair with 'fleur de lis'

pattern in 'bas relief'.

Drawing by Tony Fernandes

INTERWOVEN CANE

SEAT PATTERNS OF YESTERYEAR
(Line Drawing by Tony Fernandes)

Back in the old days, people took pride in good house-keeping. Painting the exterior and interior walls of houses for Christmas, and having them repaired before the onset of monsoons were major chores. This was also a time when old chairs were varnished and given a new look and their seats re-caned. This craft of 'caning' or stringing chairs using cane (and nylon in later years) particularly belong to the men and women of the 'Mahar' caste, who were also equally adept at other occupations like basket and mat weaving. When I was young my mother used to summon a woman to our home to have our chairs strung. It was interesting to watch her artistic ability as she skillfully entwined a mesh of intricate patterns with her deft hands.