Bamboo and Cane Craft of Bihar

Bamboo Craft of Bihar, Rosara, Samastipur © Folkartopedia library
Bamboo Craft of Bihar, Rosara, Samastipur © Folkartopedia library

The bamboo and cane crafts of Bihar have a rich historical past that is amalgamated with the preferences of the modern urban people. As Bihar is affluent in the tradition of the powerful dynasties like Magadha Majanapadas, Mauryan Empire and Gupta Empire, the artisans had received encouragement from them. With the introduction of modern technologies, the bamboo and cane craft of Bihar has flourished. As the time precedes the tradition of the past and the style of the modern age have developed the cult of the bamboo and cane crafts of Bihar. This has also led to improvements in the products at a high grade with subtle changes.

Bamboo crafts in India are very popular due to its eco-friendly attributes.

The bamboo and cane crafts of Bihar have unique features that carry intrinsic beauties and great creativeness offered by the local artisans. Initiated in the prehistoric age, the bamboo and cane crafts of Bihar comprise utility items like baskets, household wares, woven mats, furniture and cane products like cane furniture and other decorative objects. The majority of artisans are the tribal people of Bihar who etch out the lifeless bamboos and canes with dexterity and turn them into exquisite art pieces that are of great value.

The abundant accessibility of bamboo and cane in the areas of Tarai and Bhabhar has aided the bamboo and cane craft of Bihar to reach its zenith. The oldest form of creation of bamboo and cane crafts of Bihar is basketry that is used to serve the purpose of the utilitarian items as well as suit other needs. The artisans of Bihar make deft synthesis of Japanese techniques with the Indian tradition and given rise to a complete unique crafts of bamboo and cane.

The Bhotiyas are the tribal from the Trans-Himalayan region that are skilled bamboo and cane artistry. A vast variety of baskets, cups, saucers created by them for local consumption has now found an export market and considering the financial assurance from these crafts the non-tribals are now taking up basket making as their profession too. The designs of these bamboo and cane crafts vary from simple plain weaving or ribbing and sometimes painting the bamboo-strips or cane reed in vivid colors.

The artisans while creating items from bamboo and cane keep in mind about their longevity that follows the style as well. They sometimes use bamboo stems or culms with smaller diameters along with cane in whole or split form for creating a variety of baskets, furniture, mats, etc. Large containers are made and these are used widely for storing grain among the local people of Bihar. Apart from these bamboo and cane crafts, Bihar is adored for its creativity in making furniture out of bamboo and cane, woven mats for floors, etc.

The availability of raw materials, suitable weather, numerous artisans and land for bamboo agriculture have fastened the growth of the bamboo and cane crafts of Bihar.

Bill-hook, knife and a jak (v-shaped wooden frame) are the essential tools required for bamboo craft. Saws, hammers, pliers, and pincers in addition to daos and knives are used for making bamboo and cane furniture.

Courtesy: UMSAS Patna

Disclaimer: The opinions expressed within this article or in any link are the personal opinions of the author. The facts and opinions appearing in the article do not reflect the views of Folkartopedia and Folkartopedia does not assume any responsibility or liability for the same.

Folkartopedia welcomes your support, suggestions and feedback.
If you find any factual mistake, please report to us with a genuine correction. Thank you.

SUPPORT THE FOLKARTOPEDIA

Folkartopedia Archive is an online open resource of folk, traditional and tribal arts and expressions. We are constantly documenting artists, artworks, art villages, their artistic expressions, cultural heritage and other aspects of their life, to develop and enrich the archive that deserves you. We usually ask, what is the necessity of documentation and archives of arts? The answer is simple, what cultural heritage will we leave behind for our future generations in absence of documented work?

This effort cannot be a success, without your support. We need you and your support. If you think, the role of Folkartopedia is important, please support us.

You can help us by Instant Giving here.

Disclaimer:

The opinions expressed within this article or in any link are the personal opinions of the author. The facts and opinions appearing in the article do not reflect the views of Folkartopedia and Folkartopedia does not assume any responsibility or liability for the same.

Folkartopedia welcomes your support, suggestions and feedback.
If you find any factual mistake, please report to us with a genuine correction. Thank you.

 

Receive the latest updates

GET IN TOUCH

Folkartopedia is the leading resource of knowledge on folk art and expression in India. Stay connected.