Vintage Chettinad Palmyra Palm Fan | Traditional Tamil Nadu Craft

This large vintage hand-held fan from the Chettinad region of Tamil Nadu is made from woven strips of Palmyra palm and features distinctive folk motifs. The fan reflects the region’s long tradition of working with locally sourced palm materials to create objects that are both functional and visually distinctive.

Palmyra craft has a strong presence in Chettinad, where dried palm leaves have traditionally been woven into fans, baskets, containers and mats. This particular fan showcases the skill and precision of traditional palm-leaf weaving, with its patterned surface giving the functional object a decorative character.

The weaving tradition is closely associated with Kottan, a distinctive form of Palmyra basketry historically practiced by women of the Chettiar community. Together, these traditions reflect Chettinad’s emphasis on utility, craftsmanship and the thoughtful use of locally available materials.

Mounted in a double-bordered white frame, this 18 × 18 inch piece transforms a traditional household object into a striking example of South Indian folk craft and vernacular design.

Details

Origin: Chettinad, Tamil Nadu, India
Tradition: Chettinad Palmyra craft and weaving
Object: Hand-held fan
Material: Palmyra palm
Technique: Traditional palm-leaf weaving
Design: Woven folk motifs
Dimensions: 18 × 18 in including frame
Frame: Double-bordered white frame
Condition: Vintage condition with natural age-related characteristics
Authenticity: Comes with an authenticity certificate from The Blue Trunk.