Cane and Bamboo Craft

General Introduction
Cane and bamboo craft is one of the traditional and conventional craft of India. In India, since ancient history , cane and bamboo crafts have rendered artisans' sustenance and livelihood. Many decorative items are made out of cane and bamboo, like mats , baskets, durries, lamp shades etc. Numerous designs are inlayed on them like plants , leaves , faces and creepers . Now a days , in homes different furniture items are used made from bamboo and cane. Infact, cane furniture is the latest craze among fashion conscious people to display style in a simple, elegant manner. Materials made from cane and bamboo are one of the oldest creation done by men which are also considered as clean for religious purposes.

Prominent Places
Some places which show there specialty in cane and bamboo work are :

• Arunachal Pradesh: In Arunachal Pradesh, cane and bamboo craft is constitutional to living. Cane baskets are used to carry rice and other merchandise, then to be sold in market. Arunachal Pradesh stands out in its work with bamboo bridges and cane belts. Each tribe of Arunachal Pradesh uses cane and bamboo to fulfill its everyday needs.
  
  
• Orissa: It is famous for articles and items made from cane and bamboo which is also known as golden grass.
  
  
• Manipur: It is famous for its dome shaped type baskets.
  
  
• Tamil Nadu: It is famous for its grass mats which are very delicate and fragile.
  
  
• Tripura, Bengal: These places are notable for their basketry , mats , mugs for rice beer, hukkas, musical instruments, floor mats, fishing devices and handles.
  
  
• Assam: In Assam, cane and bamboo are the two most popularly used materials in daily life. Products ranging from household goods to construction of dwelling houses to weaving accessories are made of bamboo in Assam.

Why Cane and Bamboo Work?
India is considered as a land of arts and crafts, which flourish and expand in every corner. Due to its functional , aesthetic and artistic charm cane and bamboo craft is famous and popular across the globe. In the northeastern states , it is an important reservoir and source for the people. Different tribal societies in country have been using cane and bamboo to give expression to their art and to earn a living. It has become an inevitable part of various societies.

Manufacturing Procedure
Firstly , the whole stem of cane and bamboo is cut with a hacksaw and split longitudinally. Then it is heated on slow fire for providing flexibility. The objects are made in two forms : either by coiling for baskets or weaving for mats.

In coiled basketry , creation of basket is done by first coiling a cane around central core. It is built up spirally and coils are joined together by sewing strips. Therefore , basket is made by sewing the strips. Finally , ornamentation of basket is done with paper, lace and shells. Weaving process is done by hand using water to soften the splits.

Varieties of Cane and Bamboo
There are few varieties of cane and bamboo used for manufacturing of different products.

• Variety of cane: Barjali , Harua , Golla , Sundi for making baskets and furniture.
• Variety of bamboo: Jati , Tita and Lejai for making different items.

Cane and Bamboo Products
Cane and bamboo craft has always been a part of Indian culture. The products made from them are universal and practiced by large number of artisans and craftsmen in India. Cane and bamboo products are used as decorative items as well as for functional purpose. They are immensely used and some of them are:

• Baskets: Basketry is carved with very fine designs and available in different sizes and shapes. They are very popular and used for different purposes like used as a container for house hold goods and crops. Baskets are generally of two types, one to be kept in the house for storage purposes and the other to be carried on the back for daily use.
  
  
• Chalani (sieve): It is woven with fine bamboo slips in a criss-cross way with some open spaces between the different slips. Chalani is used for different purposes such as for refining tea – leaves , paddy , rice etc.
  
  
• Crossbows: The crossbow is used with one hand consists of a central beam of bamboo with grooves and iron loops. It is made from thinner and lighter wood.
  
  
• Kula (winnowing fan): Kula is prepared out of flat bamboo slips for winnowing purposes. It is one of the most popular household item used in Indian villages.
  
  
• Khorahi (small basket): Khorahi is a small basket to allow water and dirt to pass out. It is woven in mostly plain and square form , made from fine bamboo splits for washing rice, vegetables, fish, etc.
  
  
• Dukula / Tukuri: Dukula is a big basket and made by bending the bamboo splits forming the warp. It is used for carrying and keeping rice , paddy etc.
  
  
• Bamboo Mats: Bamboo mats are made from split bamboo canes about 1/2 inch-wide strips , usually are water resistant with non – skid backing material.
  
  
• Bamboo Bags: Bamboo bags are made from high quality and tropical bamboo . All of them have decorations done with various materials which give them a special appearance.
  
  
• Bamboo Container: Bamboo containers are used for storing small objects like jewelry , cosmetics , sweets etc.
  
  
• Bamboo Waste Bin: Bamboo waste bin is weaved using lid, using dark stains and with four legs. It is less expensive and made from good quality of bamboo.
  
  
• Furniture: Cane furniture is widely used in many homes. Cane furniture is strong, warm and light to move around.