Handmade in India

BAMBOO WORK
BAMBOO GROWS ABUNDANTLY in the region and has been traditionally used to
fashion utility articles of all kinds.In the tribal way of life,bamboo finds versatile
expression-from storage containers of all kinds to bows for hunting,from fine combs to
tappa,huge baskets,for carrying hens.People walking on roads carrying fish in a
kumni,fish net,is a common sight in these parts.Entire villages in this region are made of
bamboo craftspersons-the men usually cut the bamboo and split the stalks,while women
weave mats and baskets.Traditional items adhere to basic designs,and are generally
devoid of ornamentation.Local knowledge is exploited to maximize the potential of the
material.For instance,the length between two nodes determines the quality of bamboogreater
lengths are preferred for basketry.Two qualities of bamboo are used:ropa with
longer fibres is more pliable and is used for baskets and containers;while lathi with
short,strong fibre goes into making skeletal structures and armatures for products.
Bamboo answers all the modern concerns for eco-friendly
material.Voluntary organisations are now trying to create a market for
contemporary products in bamboo,like well-finished modular
furniture.Local craftspersons are being trained to use mechanized
equipment and explore possibilities in design.Lampshades adn such
items that would be of used in modern urban homes are being
developed,too.Bamboo has the potential to fuel the economy of the
region and benefit those who dwell on the periphery of
development.Traditional items of everyday use are perennially in
demand in the local market,especially in the bi-weekly
haats,markets.Sales also increase during festivals and the wedding
season.
Production Clusters
Ranchi district:
Ranchi
Soso
Chelagi
Khunti
Bamahani
Bamboo basket
1. Bamboo bow.
2. Kumni, fishing net is
used to catch fish for
both domestic
consumption and in
the market.
3. Process of making a
bamboo product.
4. Soop, winnowing
trays.
Products
Traditional:
Dawra-container
Soop-used to clean
rice
Challa-used to clean
wheat crops
Tokri-basket
Kacha-big containers
to store rice
Kumni-used to catch
fish
Chakli-bhar-container
to carry mud
Bena-hand fan
Dhanush-bow
Tappa-a huge basket
to carry hens
Hair combs
Contemporary:
Sofa sets
Dining tables.
Side tables
Lampshades
Magazine holders
Other decorative
items
Tools