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

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.