Cane, Bamboo, Grass, Fibre of Himachal

Artisans or Basket weavers who are present almost all over the state practice basket making craft or basketry. Various utility items like kiltu ? large conical basket for storing grain, cushion-like seats and fans are crafted by these artisans. The artisans are known by different names in different districts. They are known as dumnas, domras, bararas, reharas, banjaras, kolis or chamangs. The raw materials include various types of grass, wood, leaves and fibres. Different techniques of interwining and interlacing are employed to make the items. Though women weavers make items for domestic use through out the year, the men weave primarily during he winter.