This intricately designed bamboo basket is an article of the Angami Naga tribe of Nagaland, a community which is famous for having one of the greatest weaving traditions in the continent while being equally adept at utilitarian crafts. The basket is made using split bamboo, a very commonly found and skillfully utilized by the Naga tribes.
Observe the peculiar contrast in structure-a round hole at the top, and a square base below-which accentuates the sophisticated sensibility and knowledge of geometry on the part of the tribe during design. This bamboo rim or opening denies being closely meshed-woven with strands of bamboo-to make it pretty sturdy and finished. Tight weaving does not only keep everything inside securely; it beautifies as well.
Such baskets serve practical but specific cultural purposes in tribal life. They usually carry grains, vegetables, or other domestic essentials. The versatility of form and function captured by this basket pays tribute to the skills of the Angami community passed down through generations in bamboo craft.