In India for the tribal communities, Bamboo has always been more than just a plant. Bamboo crafts have a connection to tribal cultures since they are symbolic of life, durability, and creativity. They are creating various handmade crafts out of bamboo and selling them in the markets. It is one of the sources to earn from selling these crafts. Tribal craftspeople in regions like Madhya Pradesh, Odisha, Jharkhand, Chhattisgarh, Assam, and Maharashtra have perfected the art of turning basic bamboo stalks into beautiful, useful, and culturally valuable handmade crafts. Unfortunately, with urban migration and modernization taking hold in the market and  tribal bamboo art has been slowly forgotten from the society now at it risk of disappearing forever

The Importance of Tribal Bamboo art and craft

Indian tribal people have always valued bamboo crafts, which is used to make ornamental furniture, musical instruments, and handwoven baskets, It is an essential form of revenue for these people and shows their deep connection to the natural world.

Tribal bamboo crafts are heart-made rather than just handmade, in comparison to industrial bamboo products. The artisan’s connection to the seasons, woodlands, and ancient customs is reflected in each item.

Bamboo is deeply rooted in rituals, celebrations, and everyday life for many tribal communities, making it much more than just a raw material. Bamboo is seen as a source of luck and a protector of the home in many tribal stories, and its strength and flexibility represent resistance. 

Traditional events, such as marriages and harvest festivals, occasionally feature poles, flutes, offering baskets, and ritual decorations made of bamboo. Beyond its ceremonial value, bamboo is an essential tool for everyday life. It is used to make cooking utensils, household baskets, farming tools, and fishing traps. Every handmade craft has religious meaning because of this deep relationship to bamboo.

Loss of Bamboo Art and skills

Younger generations from these communities are migrating to cities in search of better employment opportunities and higher living standards, leading them to forget their ancestral skills, such as bamboo art passed down from generation to generation. Another major factor contributing to the loss of bamboo skills and crafts from the market and society is that these handcrafted products are so undervalued that the tribal people cannot make a living from them. Because of this, traditional art forms like this one might soon be gone.

Common bamboo crafts include:

Handmade bamboo baskets: finely made for carrying grains, veggies, or personal items and look stunning in any part of the house.

Handmade Bamboo Mat: Expertly woven by hand, this mat can be used for yoga, pooja aasan, or any other purpose. It feels incredibly earthy and natural, and it’s great for cooling in the summer. 

How You Can Support Bamboo Craft Artist

• Buy authentic handcrafted bamboo products
• Support platforms like Adivasi Trove that work directly with craftspeople
• Post stories of tribal handicraft on social media.
• During festivals and festivities, provide eco-friendly bamboo gifts.
• Promote eco-friendly shopping practices in your neighborhood or you can directly buy from Adivasi Trove

Conclusion:

In conclusion, the ancient tribal art of bamboo crafts is a journey  of time, culture, and sustainability. At Adivasi Trove, we are committed to preserving this heritage while giving it a modern twist. Join us in our mission to promote bamboo crafts and support a sustainable future for artisans and the environment.