The Magic of Athangudi Tiles

3 Sep'2011:Athangudi is a small village in Sivaganga District with a big reputation. Athangudi tiles, named after the place of manufacture in Chettinad, Tamil Nadu, come in myriad colors and patterns and are made by a unique process using local soil. These tiles are a testimony to the rich cultural heritage of the Chettiar community, who effectively adapted many influences to their own brand of local craftsmanship. The designs and colors used in Athangudi Tiles are still those of a bygone era. However, off late new designs and patters are being incorporated.The artisans say the charisma of these tiles is due to the sand, which is of just the right composition.
We visited one such manufacturer in Athangudi and witnessed the manufacture of these hand made tiles. The series of pictures presented below tell their own fascinating story:
1.Colors being applied on template design on mould
2.The design
3.Sand being applied
4.Cement being plastered on mould
5.Curing in a large water tank
6.Baking in the sunlight
7-9: Creation of Manual designs
10-12: Designs created manually
13-17: Designs created with template