The Tupa is one of the handmade bamboo baskets of the Binjhal community, an indigenous community mostly inhabiting the states of Odisha and Chhattisgarh. Strongly tied to agriculture and forest-dwelling livelihoods, various handcrafted tools and containers have been developed out of bamboo-a renewable and locally available material-by the Binjhals.
The Tupa basket is one among the most useful practical crafts of the tribe. Constructed using flat bamboo splits, it boasts tight weaving that ensures durability and makes it serviceable by day. One of its unique characteristics is its squarish mouth, quite different from the round rims which are typical of the tribal baskets. This unique forming shape allows for easy loading and unloading of materials by making it very functional for agricultural and domestic uses.
The basket has a base with four prominent corners, giving it a stable resting surface, especially when lying on an uneven surface. This would particularly enhance the balance of the basket when filled with materials such as grains, vegetables, or firewood. Its longevity is guaranteed because it is also rimmed separately with thin bamboo splits which are carefully bound and reinforced to maintain shape despite being subjected to frequent usage.
Used primarily for storage and transport, Tupa signifies the material science and environmental adaptability knowledge of the Binjhal tribe. Its design is utility-oriented and keeps the traditional aesthetic sensibilities, which makes it a significant part of Brinjal domestic culture.