Bamboo is beautifully crafted as finely cylindrical forms and induced to be a utility form in the Khasi tribal community. The Khasi is one of the major tribes of Meghalaya, which is said to have extensive lush greenery along with the rich tribal heritage.
Bamboo has been known to the Khasis for generations as its skills in making household items- from household tools to construction of house materials. It is made of split bamboo with a square base and a joining wide circular opening so that both geometric stability and easy access are achieved. The base has thick weaving to give it strength and durability. This is because it is very much ideal for carrying and storing products from the field, firewood, or household items. The weaving patterns of the intricate baskets depict craftsmanship and accuracy in weaving, which is learned by the Khasi artisans through almost generations of practices and oral tradition. Bamboo has got tons in Meghalaya. It lives and breathes in entirety with the Khasi- in fact, it forms part of a culture that symbolizes a sustainable life- not just raw materials, but a way of living with nature, as well. These baskets are as much for use as about the self-sufficient lifestyles and eco-habits of the tribe. And, mostly women from this community make these baskets, and with that, they both contribute to the local economy and keep the knowledge intact. The bamboo basket shall abide as a symbol of the Khasi people's cultural resilience, an ever-green environmental consciousness, and artisanal heritage in Meghalaya.