Khasi tribe is one of the most important indigenous communities of Meghalaya, Northeast India, which is quite famous for its long-rooted traditions and eco-friendly living and very well known for its ingenious uses of extracting materials of nature. One household tool, among many, is that of pitcher-shaped fishing basket, which this community uses for catching and carrying fish, mostly of those caught from the rivers and streams. This basket is made with refined care and attention to the very fine bamboo and cane strips, which are easily found under the lush green and forested terrains of Meghalaya. The basket has a square base, which keeps it balanced and steady while lying on the ground or shallow water. The body then tapers upward into a circular opening, thus giving it a pitcher-shape that enables it to efficiently hold fish without spillage.
In order to make this rim strong and tough, especially while submerged into water over a stretch of time, it is thus made with split bamboo. Most importantly, this strengthening technique will avoid the edges from fraying or collapsing, and it will aid in the retention of the basket's form. Used generally during the fishing along the banks of rivers or collecting fishes through streams, this Khasi fishing basket is light in weight, easy to transport, and handy. Over and above these utilities, it bears testimony to the tribe's profound knowledge of local ecology and their heritage of weaving prowess- which has been carried down from generation to generation. The basket is not merely a tool but a symbol of sustainable living, woven into everyday life and culture of Khasi people.