Tava (Chapati Pan)

Metal Tava (Chapati Pan). Pakistan. 20th Century.

This traditional tava, or chapati pan, is a staple of South Asian kitchens, used to prepare chapatis, parathas, and other flatbreads. Made entirely of iron, the pan has a flat, round cooking surface with a single round handle, and shows signs of extensive use, including rust patches and surface wear. Its robust design allows for even heat distribution.

The tava has been used across Pakistan and India for centuries, with its form and function remaining largely unchanged. This one in our collections was obtained from Mrs. Rashid, who was born in India and went to live in Pakistan after the war. During the 1960s, she and her family came to England and settled in Tooting. She used to bring material from Pakistan to make clothes to sell in England.