The tribal saris, scarves, and woven fabric lengths of the Koraput-Bastar region are woven in heavy count cotton ranging from 10 to 20. The weaver uses a three-shuttle interlock patterning, which makes available innumerable combinations in scale and volume. The characteristic natural dye coloring used is derived from the deep red aal or madder dye which is extracted from the root of the Indian Madder tree. The powerful and vibrant deep maroon that is obtained is often darkened to brown with the addition of harikari or sulphate of iron. These colors combined with the natural unbleached off-white color of the yarn produce dramatic results.The designs used have an underlying symbolism and are largely inspired by nature or by significant objects of daily use.
