One of Bangladesh’s finest ranges of products today is made of jute, the country’s major natural fibre. In recent years, the traditional “Shika”, used to hang cooking pots and receptacles and store quilts, has been transformed into a remarkable variety of plant holders and other decorative items. In the skilled hands of the village women, an intricate tracery of braided designs emerge from the long silken skeins of jute, to create bags, table mats, wall hangings, floor mats and numerous other articles.
Bamboo split lengthways is made pliable and woven into baskets of different shapes prescribed by its use. This traditional craft escapes notice. Basketry is most widely produced in Bangladesh and almost every village market has a section earmarked for sale and purchase of baskets. For domestic work, millions of women all over the country use baskets.
Coiled basketry has the closest affinity to weaving. It is interesting to note that amongst the tribal people, the pattern chosen for weaving cloth is often repeated in their basketry and mats. Artistically fashioned baskets have found their way from a village home to the house of craft connoisseurs.
Craftsmen in Bangladesh also produce chairs, tables, stools and screens made of cane and bamboo.
In Bangladesh dolls have been popular since historical times. Their traditional forms, made from terracotta, rags, wood and other materials are still to be found in the hands of village children. They are still made by village artisans to be sold in village fairs. |
