Mati the Origin – The place from where it all began.

“Mati” (মাটি) translates to “earth” or “soil.” It signifies the ground or land, representing a sense of connection to the land and nature. The word “Mati” also has roots in Sanskrit, where it means “mind” or “intellect.” It conveys the idea of thought, understanding, or the mental faculties of a person. In Indian philosophy and spiritual traditions, the Panch Mahabhutas (पञ्च महाभूत) refer to the five great elements that make up the physical universe and are believed to be the fundamental building blocks of nature. The primary of the elements is Prithvi (Earth) which symbolizes: Solidity, stability, and structure. Soil holds a profound and symbolic place in Indian culture and heritage, representing both the physical foundation of life and a deeper connection to spirituality, fertility, and the divine.

In various Indian traditions, soil is viewed as sacred, and it plays an important role in customs, rituals, and philosophical concepts. In rural communities, traditional art forms like Patachitra, Warli, Madhubani etc are painted directly on the walls or floors, often incorporating earthy tones made from natural pigments and soil. These art forms celebrate the connection between the community and the land.Rural artisans practice traditional crafts and produce a variety of handmade products. These artisans typically work with materials sourced from their natural environment, such as clay, wood, textiles, and metal, to create goods that are deeply connected to their cultural heritage. These products not only hold immense artistic and functional value but also reflect the local culture, community practices, and craftsmanship passed down through generations. We believe that their skills in Textile craft, Pottery and Ceramics, wood and bamboo craft, metal craft etc will create an awe in our fast-paced world where we are forgetting our roots.

In Mati our sole mission is empowering rural artisans for preserving cultural heritage, promoting sustainable development, and improving the livelihoods of those in rural communities. By providing rural artisans with the necessary support and resources, they can thrive and continue their time-honoured crafts while achieving economic independence and social mobility. We want to give them access to a source where they can supply their art against a fair compensation for their work. We in Mati cater their products in stores and digital platforms to give their products a wider audience outreach and find their forever home.