The people of Liyai Khullen and Khunou in the northern part of Senapati district who nestled in the picturesque Barak River origin place are the craftsmen of famous Bao (an ancient bamboo granary). The Zhaimai people of Liyai Khullen and Khunou have mastered the art of crafting Bao, traditional paddy storage container for the barns, using locally-sourced bamboo.
The bamboo varieties used in making Bao were of different bamboo in which the larger Bao are crafted from sturdy Tai (a kind of small bamboo variety with spike/thorn), while smaller ones utilize either Tai or Lei (a small bamboo variety with smooth texture), both native to the region. Interestingly, Liyai/Zhaimai endow with over 10 varieties of bamboo unexplored in the deep natural forest of Liyai village.
The seasonal collection and craftsmanship of bamboo collection begins in July and continues until November requiring a certain age of bamboo as very old bamboo will yield bristle quality while very young one will shrink, therefore craftsmen select only the appropriate batch in the making of Bao. Experienced artisans require fewer days to craft a Bao, while beginners take a week or more. The journey of Bao making starts from collecting bamboo varieties required for the Bao in thicket for days depending on the accessibility of resource to days of weaving a double layered Bao for durability and strength provided for years and decades in well preserved barns.
The production usually finished in the cottage or yard after a days of craftsman skill put off on Bao. The finished products are exported to Poumai, all the other villages, Mao villages, Maram villages in Senapati, while some are exported to Chakhesang, and Angami in Nagaland state. Depending on market demand and transportation cost, the current market price ranges from ₹4,000 to ₹6,000, depending on size and transportation distance over long rough terrain and large in volume for the transport. In olden days, Bao were usually transported by manfolk traveling several hills and brooks to deliver the crafted Bao for the storage of yearly harvest and surplus paddy.
The Zhaimai people’s dedication to preserving their ancestral craft is a testament to their rich cultural heritage and for the sustainable environmental movement. This special skill of Zhaimai people with abundant natural resources have boosted the village economy while the demand for Bao are wide-spread. The legend is that, “When a lad from Zhaimai can make his own Bao, he is declared eligible to seek matrimony”.
Resource Credit: Mr. TH Athaikho, Liyai Khullen, BA. Sociology, DBC Maram.
Special thanks to Mr. TH Athaikho, Liyai Khullen, BA. Sociology, DBC Maram for resourceful insights.
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Anchor Media Marketing