The Bamboo Basket of the Naga Tribe epitomizes indigenous work that purports both utility and expressive identity. Usually round in shape, strong and flexible, this type of basket is fabricated from split bamboos. Bamboo is in abundance in the hilly terrains of Nagaland. Split bamboo being sturdy, flexible, and inexpensive has made it into a lightweight, durable basket to fetch and store various goods; mostly agricultural produce.
The inside rim of this basket is unique because it is reinforced by tightly fastening bamboo strips with more bamboo straps. In this manner, the addition of strength to the basket prevents it from losing shape through ages, demonstrating the tribe's full-fledged appreciation of working with natural materials and their traditional weaving styles handed down through generation after generation.
For the Naga communities of baskets, they may be much in use but their roles are rich in symbolism. Not only is it to fulfil chores, but these baskets are also used in social customs. In villages, the art of weaving baskets is held in great esteem and is taught at a young age, sometimes with particular clans or families being identified for their basket-making skills.
This bamboo basket represents not just a means of storage but also the Naga people's sustainable existence and harmonious relationship with nature. It bears testimony to the manner in which functional objects can also carry with them the weight of tradition and identity.