Bamboo

Namaste,

During my time in the Phillim area I have taken time to photograph the varied uses to which the bamboo plant can be put. All around the valley tall stands of bamboo grow naturally. They are harvested and used for so many things.

In many places bamboo fences are woven and used to surround land, often to keep grazing livestock either in or out. I watched a man making fencing panels. Firstly he cut the bamboo into equal length poles, which he then stripped into thin flexible strips. Next the base was made, into which the flexible bamboo strips were woven, in a pattern. the upright pieces were then woven together. This took quite a long time as each strip has to be twisted with others into the pattern. This was then repeated to make panels which could be attached together to make a longer fence. Several days later the finished fence was a masterpiece!

I have been amazed at the huge range of different uses; house walls, fences
kota baskets to carry goods on the back, small container, donkey panniers, animal containers, corn cob containers, baby baskets to name but a few. 

The start of the weaving for a large panel

Woven bamboo for a roof covering

Fencing for a sheep pen

A man weaving a basket, used to carry a baby on mother's back.

The finished baby basket

and a similar one with baby inside.

Baskets of different weaves, shapes and sizes

Storing sweetcorn

A flat basket for winnowing corn or rice grains to remove
the husks.

A cage for young chickens

Bamboo is obviously a very important plant, which contributes much to the local lifestyle.