Bamboo quivers of the Khampti tribe are the finest embodiments of a local tradition representing traditional craftsmanship very much rooted within the different tribal cultures of Assam in India. This rare quiver, preserved today in the Indian Museum, stands as a testimony to the Khampti people and their bamboo crafts, as well as their prowess in hunting and warfare.In origin Tai, the Khampti tribal people migrated from Myanmar and settled in Arunachal Pradesh and parts of Upper Assam. Their material culture is distinct and is an amalgamation of utility and aesthetics. The Bamboo quiver is made mainly to store and carry arrows for activities of hunters and warriors in the tribe.
The quiver is made of hollowed cylindrical bamboo, light yet strong, built for ease of handling and transportation through dense forests. It is often provided with a plaited strap of cane that can be slung over the shoulder with complete freedom of movement. It is smoothened with a uniform profile, giving a feeling of careful carving or finishing, and perhaps painted with simple tribal designs or lacquer finish. This, however, depends on individual pieces. Such quivers often held arrows with either bamboo or iron tips, used primarily for hunting small game or in tribal warfare. The bamboo quiver represents much more than a piece of equipment; it is a symbol of skill and status, as well as a training ground for Khampti men.