The Rabha Tribe is one of the widely spread and indigenous communities of northeastern India, mainly found in Assam, Meghalaya, and portions of West Bengal. They are exceptional artisans by birth, specifically in basket-making. This cylindrical bamboo basket is one of the commonest traditional items among the Rabha people; these bamboo baskets can be used for transporting agricultural produce, storing things, and other things. |
These cylindrical bamboo baskets are big and strong; made with colored stylings from pieces or splits of bamboo and cane, they are usually made. The top is, therefore, wide for easy access and easy placing of any item needed for storage. No space is lost upon weaving tightly, firmly, and strongly from the entire body of the basket to ensure perfect strength and very durable usage.
As for the rim, a split bamboo piece is interwoven with cane strips to provide being involved in reinforcing the edges with extra strength and stability so that over time the edges do not weaken. The base is designed to be square, and at the bottom are placed two split bamboo pieces, intercrossing. Thus it can take heavy weight while maintaining its shape-perfectly ideal for carrying grains, firewood, vegetables, etc.
The craft of cylindrical bamboo basket making speaks of the indigenous Rabha Tribe's dependence on and interaction with their natural environment, the use of local materials to construct functional items that last through time, which testify to their cultural identity beyond being merely tools of practicality. Indeed, these baskets serve as important aspects of the cultural identity of the Rabha people that have been passed on from generation to generation.