Mollam

Back in the day, coconut palm mat weaves or Mollams adorned balcaos (balconies) and porches of Goan houses, giving a rustic, cool and breezy ambience. This was gradually replaced by the jarring plastic sheets in bright hues, which were easily available, convenient and durable.

What was lost was an eco-friendly covering that protected the house in varied weather conditions. These palm mats were used not only in houses as a protective covering from the rain, but were also used to cover sheds which were used to stock firewood. And, with a little twist, were also used as a ‘raincoat’ in fields!