Artist: Roo Dhissou – What is a Manji?

A wooden frame which a woven string top reading 'Parle-G' has been embroidered. On the corner of it rests a piece of fabric which says 'Harvest chart'.

Biscot Wali Manji by Roo Dhissou (Photo: Roo Dhissou)

Roo Dhissou’s work often involves creating functional objects with deep cultural significance. For Made in the Middle Roo the Manji, a traditional Punjabi daybed, is reimagined through contemporary craftsmanship.

Roo’s work is on show in Made in the Middle from January 2025 – April 2026.

A diagram of a simple frame with 4 short legs. It appears to have a cover over part of the frame and threads at one end.

What is a manji?

A manji translates from Punjabi to English as a daybed. It has 4 legs, a frame and a woven section in the middle of the frame. They structure is normally made from a hardwood and the woven section is made from strong textiles such as hemp, cotton or wool.

Where do they come from?

Manjis can be found in many parts of South Asia and Africa. A manji can also be translated into many other South Asian languages. In Hindi it is called a Charpai, which literally means four feet. It is also called a Khatt, Khatiyah, Khatloh, Manjha, Charpoy, Charpaya.

What are they used for?

They are used to for sleeping, lounging, dining and resting. They are also used for eating on, drying clothes and vegetables. Sometimes children are born on them and sometimes people take their last breath on them too.

Who are they for?

Manjis are for everyone. They can be compared to a park bench, a bed, or a dining table. They are a very modest and easily accessible object in parts of South Asia. They are made from humble basic materials and are designed to be repaired and restrung easily. Manjis are an object used by all communities and types of
people.

How are they made?

The frame is made using a basic wood joint called mortice and tenon and the woven section is handwoven and stretched through a tension cord. The tension cord allows the Manji to be tightened at it gets looser over time and usage.

A wooden frame which a woven string top reading 'Parle-G' has been embroidered. On the corner of it rests a piece of fabric which says 'Harvest chart', which has a chart underneath it.


Where Next?

Stories of Making & Migration

Hear stories from ‘everyday makers’.

Two arms hold a large blue pot decorated with orange shapes. It is large and round at the top tapering inwards towards the base.

Made in the Middle: Artists

See all of the artists in the exhibition.

Three abstract sculptures. They are made of irregular shaped blocks of coloured plaster. They look very solid. The colours are bright and blocky, greens, blues, pinks and yellows.

Made in the Middle 2025

Made in the Middle tells a story of exceptional contemporary craft and design made in the Midlands.

Three sculptures. They appear to include found objects made from building material. They include rough stone shapes, twisted shapes and smooth glazed forms.

Made in the Middle: Learning Resources

Resources and activities to support you visit.

Pages from the guide show and artist in their studio and a page of text titled 'stories'.


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