The Making of the Angami Basket

The signature basket of the Angamis, the khophi is a utility basket for carrying things.

Bamboo and cane, found locally, are gathered and split for basketry.

The desired width of splits is attained with the use of traditional tools.

A craftsman’s workshed has raw materials and tools stored for use.

Traditionally, the split bamboo and cane was stored in a rack over the woodstove (top right in the image).

The smoke from the fire treated the material, fumigating it of pests. It also gave it a rich dark hue.

The craftsmen use simple equipment for their exquisite craft. A bamboo frame is used as a template for the form of the basket.

A saw, a dao (traditional broad blade machete), a cutter and a pin are the only tools used.

Additionally, the craftsman always has a container of water at hand, in which he softens the cane to bend and weave it. The weaving of the basket starts with its base.

Strips of cane are woven together to make a square base.

The bamboo template is used to measure the required dimension of the base.

Once this is attained, the warp and weft are turned upwards to make the sides of the basket.

The lower portion of the sides is made in a reinforced weave to give it strength. The sides are then woven upwards. The bamboo template is fixed within the basket, and the weaving done around it.

This helps in attaining the correct flaring form, and extra strips of cane are added to widen the basket as it increases in height and width.

The craftsman weaves the basket to its full length, a few inches beyond the bamboo template.

Once the basket is woven to its full height, its rim is attached.

This process involves turning the ends of the sides around the rim, while binding the rim in place with another strip of cane.

The rim is now almost fully attached.

The turned over edges are then clipped.

A frame of bamboo is attached to the woven basket to give it strength and support its structure.

The ends of the frame are flared at the bottom, forming legs on which the basket can stand without any other support.

The legs of the basket help to give the basket a strong structure and also enable it to be free-standing.

Traditionally, the cane and bamboo splits used for baskets were smoked, and requiring no further treatment for finishing.

Nowadays, fine baskets for use as special gifts on ceremonial occasions are often made on order by master craftsmen. These pieces are finished with a coat of varnish.

The making of the Angami basket requires skill and precision.

The conical form which flares at the top, the uniform tension of the weave, the fine joinery - all demand great dexterity coupled with a drive for perfection.

A fine basket can take a master craftsman a whole month to make, and is indeed a labour of love.

Read more about the basketry traditions of Nagaland's Angami tribe here:

- The exquisite basketry of the Angami Nagas
- Making of the Angami Basket