Handmade in India

BAMBOO CRAFT OF ASSAM
Traditional bamboo baskets that evolved through centuries of cultural and functional
mediation are a response to a variety of local needs that were ingeniously satisfied by
the local craftsmen. These include basket forms that are used for a variety of
domestic, farming and fishing activities which are sold in the weekly markets in
villages, towns and cities all over Assam. Large trays made from woven mats,
structurally stabilized with stiff bamboo splits to form trays, are used for fishing and
winnowing, drying, sorting and threshing grains. The fish basket has a wide mouth
and narrow neck to prevent the fish from jumping out. Headgear and ceremonial rain
shields are a response to the inclement monsoon that brings pouring rain for several
months after summer. Rainfall is celebrated by the conversion of the everyday rain
shields into a votive offering. The decorative jhappi is an applique emblossomed rain
shield symbolizing the harvest festival.
Numerous other artefacts of farming
communities are made from bamboo that
include a bullock cart, grain storage bins,
low stools, and a distinctive construction
called the Assam type house found
everywhere. Assamese craftsmen use
simple tools such as a dao, bill hook
knife, and jigs to shape their products
although they are largely based on their
visual judgement. The only exception to
this rule is while making the jhappi,
when a bamboo mould is used.
Production Clusters
Nalbari district:
Nalbari
Barpeta district:
Barpeta
Kamrup district:
Guwahati
Cachar district:
Silchar
Dalla or tray with a closed weave used for domestic purpose. Assam has a range of
shallow and wide winnows due to a predominantly agrarian population.
1. A bamboo mould that is used for
shaping the peak of the jhappi,
palm leaf used for waterproofing
and a semi-finished jhappi.
2. Jhakoi, a fish trap with a basket for
keeping fish, from Nalbari. The
jhakoi is made by moulding a mat
woven with bamboo splits.
3. Tray with open weave made from
bamboo splits. It is used to catch
fish living in the roots of the water
hyacinth.
4. A basket for carrying agri-produce,
made in open hexagonal weave
construction, from Silchar.
5. Mudah, low stool, made in Silchar
has a fascinating structure made of
thin splits, tied together with cane
bindings to form a warped surface
that is load bearing. The seat uses
split cane weaving.
6. Basket for keeping fish. The basket
along with the large trays forms a
part of the fishing equipment and is
carried tied to the waist.
7. Dimasa Cachari basket for storing
valuable cloth. The double walled
construction has an inner layer
woven with coarser splits, and and
outer layer of smoother and finer
splits.
. The conical lid is sturdy and
hinged with braided bamboo
straps.
Products
Jhakoi, polo - fish
trap
Winnowing fans
Winnowing trays
Chalani - sieves
Jhappi - rain shields
Mudah - low stools
Hand fans
Cattle muzzles
Storage baskets
Carrying baskets
Pasi - shallow baskets
Bullock carts
Tools
Dao - bill hook knife