Chakla (Chapati Board)

Wooden Chakla (Chapati Board). Pakistan. 20th Century.

Circular wooden chapatti board on three stumpy wooden feet of 29mm high and 30mm in diameter attached by metal rod in centre. Bottom has criss-cross marks as though used for cutting or chopping.

The chakla, paired with a belan (rolling pin), is a staple in Pakistani households and has been used for generations for rolling chapatis, rotis and other flatbreads. 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.