Pulli Kolam: A Traditional South Indian Craft Practice for Representing Data

TL;DR

This paper explores how the traditional South Indian craft of Pulli Kolam can be used as a physical medium for data representation, blending cultural practice with modern data visualization.

Contribution

It introduces structured mapping strategies within Kolam for representing data and demonstrates a practical scenario of daily well-being tracking using this craft.

Findings

Identified five mapping strategies for data representation in Kolam

Demonstrated embedding data visualization within routine craft practice

Outlined material adaptations for extending Kolam's application

Abstract

This paper introduces Pulli Kolam, a traditional South Indian craft, as a medium for physical data representation. Grounded in its cultural meaning and embodied practice, Pulli Kolam follows structured geometric rules while allowing creative variation. We identify five mapping strategies within Kolam (dots, patterns, fills, lines, and color) that can be used for representing data physically. without disrupting traditional practice. Through an illustrative scenario of daily well-being tracking, we demonstrate how data representation can be embedded within routine craft practice. We conclude by outlining potential material adaptations that extend Kolam beyond its ephemeral form while maintaining its embodied and ritual qualities.