Kilta Making - Himachal Pradesh
Kilta is made using bamboo, which is locally available. Different types of bamboo plants like Nargal and Toong are used in basket making. Bamboo, which is 3-4 years old, is cut down from the nearby forests, and the leaves are stripped using a knife known as Chakku. The bamboo is split and cut into the required length and width, depending on the size of the basket. The size of the bamboo strip is around half to one and half-inch in width and four to six feet in length. Splitting is done manually with the help of the knife. For making the base, thick bamboo strips are circularly arranged on the ground in such a way that the mid-point of the bamboo sticks (across the length) are touching each other. Thin strips are weaved by overlapping the base strips. The weaving happens from the bottom of the basket and progresses upwards. The technique used to weave the baskets varies according to the type of basket woven. Baskets like Dhalara, Chabdi, etc., are made using bamboo strips. Techniques like coiling, interlacing, and plaiting are commonly used in making these baskets. Once the weaving is complete, the ends are folded inwards and locked. The basket is ready for use. Women weavers make items for domestic use throughout the year.
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