Basketry in North Eastern India is a vital skill for all communities, each tribe engages in it, and baskets are produced in many shapes and forms, and are used for different purposes. Basketry products occupy the foremost place among the household objects made by the indigenous people of North East India. Basketry is not a full-time occupation and there are no professional basket makers.
Tribes for Basketry in North Eastern India
The art of basketry shows the importance of bamboo in the material culture of most tribes.
Basketry is well developed among Nagas and Khasis. They make artistically designed baskets for various purposes. Apart from them, the Adis, Nyishis, Tangsas, Noctes, etc. of Arunachal Pradesh are also skilled in Basketry.
Process of Basketry in North Eastern India
Baskets are usually made of bamboo. Bamboo about a year old is gathered from the forest usually between July and October. After removing its branches and leaves, it is cut to the required length. The piece is then split into splints about an inch wide. The purpose to which the splints are to be put is taken into account – for mats, the splints are made of only one inter-node, for small baskets usually two, while for larger baskets three or even four internodes are split together.
Types of Baskets in North Eastern India
Baskets are made for domestic use. Considering the utility, baskets can be classified into the following categories:
1. Carrying basket
2. Storage basket
3. Receptacles
4. Straining basket or sieve
5. Decorative basket
6. Fishing basket
Mats of different kinds come under basketry. Besides, a large number of other objects too come under this section. They are used for personal adornment, dress and defence. Headgears of different shapes and sizes, various rain shields are noteworthy examples of this category.
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