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Sikki Grass: The Scared Grass.
Project type
Design and Skill Development Project
Date
2008 - 2010
Sikki Grass: A Story of Hands, Seasons, and Sustainability
Sikki grass is not just a material—it is a living practice shaped by communities, seasons, and shared knowledge. Harvested during the monsoon, skilled artisans carefully select mature stalks from their natural habitats. This process is deeply rooted in community traditions, where specific groups are entrusted with the knowledge of identifying, cutting, and preparing the grass at the right time.
Once harvested, the stalks are cleaned and processed before being passed on to another community—primarily non-farm women artisans—who transform them into intricate, handwoven forms. Each piece carries the rhythm of many hands, many lives, and a quiet continuity of tradition.
Sikki grass is inherently sustainable. It grows naturally, requires no additional water, and thrives without chemical fertilizers or pesticides. Choosing Sikki grass is not just an aesthetic decision—it is a conscious step toward reducing environmental impact and supporting regenerative practices.
At the same time, Sikki grass products bridge past and present. Their distinctive texture, warmth, and form allow them to seamlessly inhabit both traditional and contemporary spaces; making them as relevant today as they have always been.
This project was supported by the Japan Social Development Fund (JSDF), facilitated by the World Bank, and executed by the Asian Heritage Foundation, under the mentorship of Shri Rajeev Sethi.







