Mora

Mora

English Name

Traditional Woven Winnowing Tray

Alternate Names

Mora, Winnowing Basket, Bamboo Winnowing Tray

Short Description

Mora is a traditional woven tray used for winnowing rice and other grains. Made from interwoven bamboo or similar plant materials, it is used to separate grain from lighter impurities such as chaff, husks and dry plant debris. It represents the traditional agricultural practices and craftsmanship associated with rural Kodagu.

Full Description

The Mora is a traditional agricultural implement used in the processing of harvested grain. Its broad, shallow surface and lightweight woven construction make it suitable for handling paddy, rice and other grains during cleaning and winnowing.

During winnowing, grain mixed with chaff and other light materials is placed on the Mora. The tray is lifted and moved with a controlled tossing or shaking motion, allowing the lighter impurities to be carried away by the breeze while the heavier grain falls back onto the tray. The process requires skill and an understanding of how grain and chaff respond to movement and airflow.

Traditionally, the Mora was part of the sequence of activities involved in processing paddy after harvesting and threshing. It was a practical household and agricultural tool, used to prepare grain for storage, further processing or cooking.

Its woven construction demonstrates the ingenuity of traditional craft practices, in which locally available natural materials were fashioned into lightweight, functional and reusable implements.

Traditional Use

The Mora was traditionally used to winnow paddy and rice by tossing and shaking the grain so that lighter chaff, husks and other impurities could be separated from the heavier grains.

Design & Form

The Mora is generally a broad, shallow tray with a gently curved or rounded body and a slightly raised rim. Some traditional examples have a rounded rectangular or oval outline, with a reinforced edge that helps maintain the tray’s shape and makes it easier to handle during winnowing.

Materials

Mora trays are traditionally made from woven bamboo, cane or other suitable plant materials. Narrow strips are interlaced to create a firm yet lightweight surface, while thicker strips may be used around the edges for reinforcement.

Method of Making

The craftsperson prepares narrow strips of bamboo or other suitable plant material and weaves them together in an overlapping pattern. The base is formed first, followed by the sides and rim. The edges are secured with thicker strips or bindings to provide strength and durability. The finished tray is lightweight enough to be lifted and shaken repeatedly.

Variants / Types

Mora trays may vary in size, outline, weaving pattern and material. Examples may be rounded, oval or rounded rectangular, with differences in rim construction and the tightness of the weave according to local craft traditions and intended use.

Cultural / Functional Significance

The Mora represents the traditional agricultural knowledge associated with paddy cultivation and grain processing in Kodagu. It reflects the practical skills used by farming households to clean and prepare harvested grain using simple tools and natural materials.

Historical Context

Before mechanised grain-cleaning equipment became widely available, winnowing was an important stage in traditional agricultural processing. Tools such as the Mora enabled households to clean harvested grain manually, using movement and natural airflow to separate useful grain from lighter waste material.

Traditional Location / Setting

The Mora was used in agricultural fields, courtyards and household workspaces where harvested paddy and rice were processed. It was particularly useful in open or well-ventilated areas where a breeze could assist in separating chaff from grain.

Craftsmanship / Special Features

The Mora demonstrates traditional weaving skills and an understanding of the balance between strength and lightness. Its interlaced surface holds the grain, while its reinforced rim helps prevent the tray from losing its shape during repeated handling. The broad surface makes it practical for spreading, tossing and collecting grain.

Reason for Decline

The use of traditional winnowing trays has reduced in some settings with the introduction of mechanical grain cleaners, powered winnowers and modern rice-processing equipment. Changes in agricultural practices have also reduced the need for manual grain cleaning in larger farming operations.

Revival & Continued Use

The Mora can be preserved through continued use in traditional grain processing, agricultural demonstrations and cultural exhibitions. Documenting its weaving techniques and demonstrating the winnowing process can help younger generations understand its role in Kodava agricultural heritage.

Preservation

Traditional Mora trays should be stored in a dry, well-ventilated place to protect the plant fibres from moisture, mould and insect damage. Surviving examples can be documented through photographs, measurements, descriptions of their weaving patterns and oral histories from people familiar with their traditional use.

Historical & Cultural Importance

The Mora is a valuable example of traditional agricultural material culture. Its simple woven structure reflects the resourcefulness of farming communities, who developed practical tools from locally available materials. Preserving the Mora in the Kodava Virtual Museum helps document the agricultural skills, craft traditions and everyday practices that formed part of life in Kodagu.