The Gadaba people are one of those busy indigenous communities of Odisha and Andhra Pradesh, making their name so much with their rich traditions and sustainable living as well as their beautiful intricacies in working with bamboo and other natural materials. Among their traditional utility items, the Chhangra is one bamboo basket, which happens to be a practical cultural artifact reflecting daily life of the artisan.
The Chhangra is a medium-sized bamboo basket made from flat bamboo strips with close, firm weaving all over for strength and durability. In fact, this tight weave speaks of the bamboo artistry skill of the Gadaba community, passed down from generation to generation.
With the circular rim of this basket fortified by additional bamboo strips, it adds more strength while at the same time prolonging the lifespan of that basket on heavy usage. The base of the Chhangra is square in shape, with each of its four slightly projected corners probably designed to provide stability whenever the basket is placed on uneven surfaces.
Mainly for daily work to carry grains, vegetables, firewood, or other household items, the Chhangra is viewed from the perspective of the Gadaba tribe, signifying their good relationship with nature. This particular aspect of design emphasizes a very simple, practical design, the beauty of form speaking of culture.