Design Resource
Grass Basketry - Sitargang
Technique of using Natural Grass
by
Introduction
The art of Coiled basketry is one of the famous basketry in India. There is a vast change introduced in the craft by implementing new shapes, design patterns and new techniques. Different forms and shapes are evolved by using natural grass with a technique which consists sewing together the coiled strips, coiling starts from base. The shapes and techniques of basketry vary from one region to other according to the local custom, needs and techniques.
The baskets are largely used by the tribal women to carry food and store grains. In Uttarakhand, women are involved in creation of grass baskets in their leisure time, as the natural wild grass is available abundantly in the hilly areas.
The dried wild grass is wrapped and coiled for rolling. The motifs of basketry are created by adding colored grass in between during weaving process. Coil grass products used for both domestic purpose as well as ritual purposes.
Different patterns and designs are made according to their traditions practiced. Apart from Sitargang in Uttarakhand, Dehradun and Delhi are the major areas producing these grass baskets.
