Artisans demonstrate weaving of bamboo basket

Our correspondent
Kohima | December 10

Two artisans from Khuza village of Phek district have been demonstrating weaving of the bamboo baskets at the ongoing Hornbill Festival 2022 at Kisama.

This is part of The Naga Craft Portfolio- Craftscape at World War 2 Museum premises Kisama organized by Tribal Weave in collaboration with the Department of Tourism and Art & Culture, Nagaland.

Grain Storage Crafting basketry is an age-old craft of leisure practiced by the elderly male members of the family in the traditional rural life of Nagaland.

It was never a profession in the past which has now led to dwindling skills in present times.

Bamboo and cane basketry is not endeared as art in local economies like Nagaland. Rather it is an intrinsic part of daily life and activity engaged upon in producing essential household items like a variety of baskets, bamboo tubes for carrying water, containers, cutlery, plates, weaving implements, fishing and hunting traps, extending to adornments, head gears, music instruments and large grain baskets for storing the year's harvest.

The Chakhesang of Phek district are known for their exemplary skills in crafting huge bamboo basketry for storing grains, according to the available script.

To craft the basket, the collection of raw materials begins from August to October. Special attention is given to source fully grown bamboo ranging from one to two years from a site where the bamboo grove is in a shaded and cold place.

Depending on the desired height of the grain basket, the bamboo is cut and split into thin slivers which are smoothen using a dao (machete).

The grain basket has two layers of woven bamboo for sturdiness, durability and to maintain the shape of the huge size.

To protect the grain from rats and insects, a pointed lid cover is woven and placed on the top of the basket.

An artisan usually makes the huge container for personal use and in the past, it was a commodity of exchange in barter trade.