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tribal artefacts

Hmar tribe craftsmanship & daily life artefacts, assam

Rothai

The Hmar tribe employs Rothai Bells as fine bamboo containers, where salt and spices along with other essentials are kept. The bell is fashioned out of only one piece of bamboo with an ending having a tightly knitted cane loop at the neck so that it can be handled well. This is indeed a testimony of Hmar ingenuity in terms of everyday needs with natural materials. The general design is also made strong and portable, making it a common item within a household. The Rothai Bell stands testament for the whole tribe in terms of their craftsmanship of the utility to cultural heritages. There are many handmade utensils carried by Hmar people for cooking. These find a place in the community feasts reflecting the Hmar's thought towards hospitality and the experience shared. The acts of craftsmanship in these tools constitute the culinary heritage of the tribe, as these also exemplify the way art can be joined to function.

Sumseno

Sumseno Bel is a copper cooking pan extensively utilized by the Hmar people for cooking rice, meat and other ethnic delicacies. The evenly distributed heat provided with a strong semi-circular stand makes cooking an art. The copper allows for quick cooking while still retaining the authentic flavours of Hmar cooking. This utensil is an essential part of the communal feasts when large banquets are prepared for gathering. The traditional design of this cooking pot reminds of Hmar culinary culture and values of community sharing. Sumseno Bel, together with a bamboo spatula and wooden spatula, is very important in cooking the traditional dishes. These utensils are made to last and to work, so they cook food evenly.

Sathu

The Sathu Lai is an age-old natural vessel used for holding water. Traditionally made by dried gourd with a woven bamboo frame for support. The apparatus is sealed with a flat bamboo piece at one end, while at the belly lies a small hole that permits pouring of liquid inside. Thus a lightweight and tough vessel to be used in day-to-day usage. The fine bamboo weaving represents the artistry and craftsmanship of the Hmar people in transforming reality into useful yet fanciful objects for ornamenting their households. Sathu Lai is that pot which portrays such views regarding the human needs of the tribe to be fulfilled without putting an end to sustainability through reliance on renewable natural resources. Indeed, the Hmar tribe proves its merit in the handiwork of bamboo by creating artefacts like the Rothai Bell and Sathu Lai.