The traditional pad used by the Lambadi during wedding ceremonies is a ceremonial object used to support a marriage pot that is placed on the bride or female participants' heads. The pad acts as a medium of cultural expression through its use and decoration.
This pad consists of a coiled ring of dried grass, accepting a roughly circular form to serve as the base or cushion. Atop this rests a rectangular cloth of cotton thickly embroidered, bearing witness to Lambadi textile artistry. The design is further embellished with six cotton 'bobbles'—five being red and one blue—two metal objects, and cowrie shells, all signifying auspiciousness, fertility, and protection. The pad is worn upon the head, set in between the skull and the ceremonial pot (usually filled with water or sacred items) to provide support and balance during marriage processions or dances. The mixed materials-natural fiber textiles and embroidery with ornamentation-occur in perfect tandem in expression of a ceremonial utilitarian art form.