Description

Since the dawn of history mankind has been involved in making baskets which comes in the category of some of the oldest at forms in the world. In India, bamboo has been used since time immortal for weaving baskets and for crafting allied products. Bamboo, which is known also as bambusa vulgaris is a variety of grass which plays a significantly amazing role in the service of mankind. Bamboo is all around us in various forms in households and well as in the outside world; be it home décor and utility items like baskets, serving trays, storing containers, lampshades, ornaments, musicals instruments like flutes and furniture as well fencing and constructing structures. Bamboo craft has managed evolved successfully over the years and has earned its reputation all over the world for their sheer elegance and beauty.
In India bamboo is grown in many areas and is extensively used by our tribal population for crafting diversified products. Bamboo baskets are one of the most widely made products and are made in different patterns and shapes. Their shapes and patterns depend on the local techniques, usage, location and the tradition of the artisans who weave them. The major centres of bamboo basket production lies in Bankura, Bardhaman, Malda, Murshidabad, Dakshin Dinajpur, Uttar Dinajpur and Cooch Behar in West Bengal. Products made of bamboo have a good market at home and abroad because they are light in weight, elegant, eco-friendly and durable and at the same time cost-efficient. The art of basketry is practiced by our craftsmen who are village dwellers; both men and women are involved in this craftwork.
For crafting these bonny looking baskets, the craftsmen cut the pieces of bamboo in desired sizes, and then these pieces are soaked in water for almost 3 days. After that comes the drying part and these pieces of bamboo are sun dried for around 3 to 4 days. Care is taken while cutting the bamboo in thin strips in a longitudinal manner with a saw; otherwise they would not be pliable which would pose difficulty for the craftsmen during the process of twining and weaving. For slicing, the craftsmen use sharp knives and for cutting the end of the slices, they take the help of scissors to ensure an even cut. At times they also use small hammers to give shape to their products. The weavers are able to modify the patterns of their bamboo baskets by bringing about changes in the colours, size and the style of weaving. To give final touch to their creations, the craftsmen use fine grade sand papers to smoothen the surface of the artworks. A coat of varnish may be applied to give them a glossy look.
By blending different colours and different widths of bamboo strips, they’re able to produce something that’s intricate and unmatched. For making baskets, the bamboo artists first make the base, then the side walls and finally the rim. Baskets come in various sizes and shapes and may have lids and handles depending on the purpose for which they’d be used. This art is an heirloom and is the only source of substance for our craftsmen. Our artists have developed their own designs and create products that are an amalgamation of tradition and modernity. Our range of bamboo and cane products include baskets of all sizes and shapes, serving trays and fruit baskets, wall hangings, decorative showpieces, mats and coasters and not to forget hair clips, earrings, necklaces. Some of the artistic wooden handles for umbrellas are also crafted by our artists; they etch on them motifs of plants, animal faces, leaves and various astounding designs and patterns. All our bamboo and cane products are 100% handcrafted and we guarantee that every product that you buy, involves a lot of hard work and tenacity of our artists and their family members. Ideal as gift items for your friends and family members, bamboo and can products help them blend with the bucolic lifestyle, thus infusing a mood of rusticity in them.
It’s noteworthy that the Government of West Bengal and the Government of India are working together in close cooperation for the development and promotion of this cottage industry; the National Bamboo Mission (NBM) is one such endeavour that promotes and encourages bamboo planters to plant more and increase the production of bamboo and cane products. The artists and craftsmen are recognized and awarded for their valuable contributions. Further, the government agencies are working towards improving the packaging facilities, providing better support marketing opportunities and distribution channels.