Mat Making in Badagry

The long process of mat making involves harvesting of stalk from the farm, smothering, drying, dyeing and weaving.
There are two types of mats: one is purposely designed to cover rooftops and the other for spreading on the floor for people to lay on for relaxation or religious activities or even for beautification, depending on what the user wants. The two mats are made of the same base material. However, while the one for the rooftop is stronger and more expensive, the other is weaker, but more colorful. Advanced and creative weaving goes beyond just mat making to making of crafts like tablemats, drink covers, curtains, book covers, door blinds etc. which are very lovely and colorful.

Hotels and resort homes are the major buyers of the rooftop mat which could be dyed to different colours as required . Just like the local sleeping mats, the rooftop mats do not generate heat, as they tend to absorb heat, though they need to be fumigated once in a while so that they don’t become havens to rodents and insects. They could also be used to construct makeshift shade for picnickers at the beach.