TODAY -

Cane and Bamboo Crafts of Manipur
- Part 5 -

By: Mutua Bahadur *

Yangkok. Meitei circular bamboo basket used for winnowing rice chaffs. Height 3cm. Curcumference of the mouth us 211 cm
42. Yangkok. Meitei circular bamboo basket used for winnowing rice chaffs. Height 3cm. Curcumference of the mouth us 211 cm.



CIRCULAR AND RECTANGULAR BASKETS

Circular baskets are more commonly used by the people in the valley than in the hills. Rectangular baskets are normally used by the hill people. A particular type of circular basket is used for winnowing rice chaffs, while a second type is used for drying grain in the sun. The first type is called Yangkok (Fig.42) and the second type is called Phoura by the Meiteis. Yangkoks are smaller in size as compared with the phoura. A yangkok has a diameter of 80cm. only, whereas a phoura has a diameter of 3 meters.

The yangkoks used in Manipur are generally made by the Khoibu-Maring, the Ngarum-Maring and the Purum-Chothe tribal people. The Tarao tribe also make such baskets. There is an apparent difference between the yangkoks made by the Maring and those made by the Chothe, in that the former has a drooping bottom whereas the latter has a firm bottom.

At the time of using the yangkok, some people apply cow-dung on the bottom of the basket so that it becomes firm when the cow-dung dries. It ensures a more efficient handling of the yangkok while winnowing rice chaffs. If it so happens that the dried cow-dung falls off piece by piece after some time, the usual practice is to apply fresh cow-dung and then dry it in the sun.

Phouras are generally used by the people in the valley. In the same fashion as with yangkoks, people apply cow-dung on the bottom of the basket to make it firm.

There is a belief related to the number of cane splits used for tying and strengthening the circular rim of the yangkok. The belief is that the number of cane splits thus used corresponds to the count of 'Chak Nga Chak' or 'Chang Shee Chang' (Chak or Chang = live beings, Nga or Shee = dead beings). The basket which has a count ending on the 'Chak' number is chosen for use. It is believed that a household which uses such yangkok shall experience prosperity and happiness in life.

The yangkok used in the household is never left lying around outside the house when not in use. This underlines the belief that ayangkok is the 'Thawai' or 'Soul' of the household; and the soul cannot be seperated from the body (i.e., the house).

And, while keeping the yangkok the practice is to keep it face down and the bottom up, never the other way around. It is treated as inauspicious to keep two yangkoks in one house. In the event of a baby born to a Meitei family, a ritual known as Ipan-thaba is held on the sixth day of the child's birth, wherein the child is placed on a yangkok (usually the one that is used in the household) by the midwife (Maibi).

It is done for the welfare of the child, so that it may have a bright future. Yet another interesting thing is that in the event of a death in a Meitei family, the yangkok used in the household is fixed on to the end of a bamboo pole and is used to fan the burning funeral pyre. This practice is still in vogue. Yangkoks are also used for ritual purposes by Maibas (Priests) and Maibis (Priestesses).

FILTERING BASKETS

In Manipur, people living in the hills as well as in the valley have a practice of collecting the ash by burning sun-dried Laphu-maka or outer layer of the banana stem, straw and pea plants. The three ingredients are burnt together.

The ash so obtained is used in Utee Chumba or filtering of the Utee, a process for getting the alkaline substance present in the ash. Meiteis use a small basket called Shek for filtering the ash. The Shek is conical, having a circular mouth with a tapering end.

On two sides of the circular mouth are extended flaps that act as hand-holds. A tiny hole is maintained on the tip of the tapering end for allowing the filtered solution to come out. The ash previously collected is first put into the Shek through the open mouth, and then water is poured over the ash. The filtered solution that comes out is termed as 'Khari'.

This is the alkaline substance used in the preparation of the Utee curry. Excluding the strap, the Shek has a diameter of about 11 cm. at the mouth and a height of 9 cm. Sometimes, it is observed that certain sections of the people living in the valley use the Miruk (basket used for measuring rice) in place of the Shek for filtering the alkaline solution.

The tribal people too use the Shek for the same purpose. The only difference is that the Shek used by them is somewhat bigger in size than those used by the valley people.

Cane and Bamboo Crafts of Manipur





See a gallery photo of Cane and Bamboo Crafts of Manipur here.

To be continued ....


Mutua Bahadur


* Mutua Bahadur contributes to e-pao.net regularly. This article was webcasted on September 12, 2011.


* Comments posted by users in this discussion thread and other parts of this site are opinions of the individuals posting them (whose user ID is displayed alongside) and not the views of e-pao.net. We strongly recommend that users exercise responsibility, sensitivity and caution over language while writing your opinions which will be seen and read by other users. Please read a complete Guideline on using comments on this website.




LATEST IN E-PAO.NET
  • Aftermath of ferocious hailstorm #1 : Gallery
  • Violence in Manipur 2023-2024 : Timeline
  • "Dynamic library service" :: Book Rvw
  • Radio E-pao: Manipuri Film OST (130+ song)
  • Artificial Intelligence & Environment
  • Article 355 of Constitution of India #2
  • Integrated Farming Systems for farmers #4
  • Delhi's stand after 1 year of clash
  • A new type of terrorism
  • Scientist of Manipur: Waikhom Vishwanath
  • SRF, JRF, RA @ Assam University
  • The Bleeding River :: Poem
  • Executive Meeting of WMC Assam Unit
  • Journalism - A thrilling career #1
  • Raising the call to replace Minister
  • A storm in a political teacup
  • Cheirao-chingkaba @ Chinga : Gallery
  • Happy Mother's Day
  • Empowering hill communities via U-Mangra
  • African Swine Fever
  • Free Training on Mushroom at Nagamapal
  • Harshit Dhingaun recieves award from Korea
  • Look for ways to restore normalcy
  • The danger of last kicks of a dying horse
  • Preserving Thang-Ta traditions
  • Resolving ST issue by democratic process
  • Top 5 songs to awaken your inner patriot
  • Project Assistant @ Manipur University
  • Leishemba Sanajaoba conferred Doctorate
  • Double tragedy: No time for red-tapism
  • A Youtuber called Dhruv
  • Nupi Landa Thaunaphabishing : Full Book
  • 174th Anniv Maharaj Narasingh #2 : Gallery
  • Challenges in Healthcare in rural Manipur
  • A salute to leadership quality of PM Modi
  • Career in press for freedom of expression
  • One day after devastating hailstorm
  • Understanding the suffering of others
  • A ferocious hailstorm @Imphal : Gallery
  • Article 355 of Constitution of India #1
  • Integrated Farming Systems for farmers #3
  • Election gossip & rumours
  • 'Melodic Minds' Tour in Guwahati
  • Leaving a trail of destruction
  • Political see-saw
  • A brand-new Scientific discovery
  • In memoriam of the happiness we shared !
  • Crop/animal for higher productivity in NE #5
  • "ST status for Meetei" at Sekmaijin
  • Oh Motherland :: Poem
  • Animal life should be treated with dignity
  • '365 Days of Chin-Kuki Aggression' : Gallery
  • Renaissance of politics in our youth
  • TB & tobacco co-epidemics in Indonesia
  • The Power of Poppy - 29 :: Poem
  • Advanced Charging Infrastructure in NE
  • Lessons learnt in the last one year
  • True colour of politics
  • World Heritage Day @ MU : Gallery
  • "ST status for Meetei" at Kakwa
  • Joint Combing Operations in Jiribam
  • Reboot PSUs for jobs: Task for new Govt
  • Ayurvedic remedies to keep healthy eyes
  • May 3, 2023 to May 3, 2024
  • One year of crisis, and what next ?
  • Scientist of Manipur: Nongmaithem Rajmuhon
  • Whither social justice & work for women?
  • Taiwan to enhancing economic ties with India
  • Integrated Farming Systems for farmers #2
  • Athoubasingi Numit #2 : Gallery
  • Privilege trap of While Male Meitei
  • Crop/animal for higher productivity in NE #4
  • 'Chizami Model' working in Gujarat ?
  • Racing towards the one year mark
  • On misattribution & falsifying history
  • Nupi Landa Thaunaphabishing #15 :: Book
  • May Calendar for Year 2024 : Tools
  • 12th World Bamboo Congress at Taiwan
  • Complex dance of democracy in Manipur
  • "ST status for Meetei" at Pangaltabi
  • Integrated Farming Systems for farmers #1
  • Showing ugly face of muscle power
  • Spare the rod, spoil the monster
  • Descent of Radha-Krishna #31: Download
  • Socio-Historical analysis on Ethnic Conflict
  • "ST status for Meetei" at Langmeidong
  • Ngangbam Dipapati- Gold @European Cup
  • Crop/animal for higher productivity in NE #3
  • Fresh surge in violence
  • The real culprit
  • National Science Teacher workshop
  • Livelihood Disaster in Mapithel Region
  • Condemns Killing of CRPF Personnel
  • "ST status for Meetei" at Manipur College
  • Huidrom Oliviya: Silver @Cadet European Cup
  • Election: Runner-up may spoil the joy
  • Scientists of Manipur : Laishram Ladu Singh
  • Imphal Ring Road Project to Transform
  • Crop/animal for higher productivity in NE #2
  • The Power of Poppy - 28 :: Poem
  • Condemned unabated illegal taxation
  • Watermelon : Super nutritious summer fruit
  • People have spoken, Manipur has voted
  • Skirting around core issues
  • Lok Sabha polls in Manipur #2 : Gallery
  • The Taj Mahal that bans Lovers !
  • Importance of bees !
  • Massive hailstorm in Jiribam
  • The messiah of hapless children
  • Attack on fuel tankers & blasting bridge
  • Blame it on Meetei
  • The Happiness Code : Download
  • NH-2 Bridge bombed @Sapermeina : Gallery
  • Crop/animal for higher productivity in NE #1
  • Training Programme under SPARK concluded
  • Why environment control is so difficult
  • 4th Foundation Day- Young Minds Collective
  • All set for second phase poll
  • The Nongsaba phenomenon
  • Khongjom Day @Khebaching #1 : Gallery
  • India's responsibility to end Manipur violence
  • Migrant worker could access TB services only
  • Importance of reading magazines as student
  • SHG pioneering agricultural innovation
  • Nearing the one year mark
  • The enemy within
  • Id-ul-Fitr @Hatta #2 : Gallery
  • Workshop @ NSU Manipur : Gallery
  • 15th Manipur State Film Awards 2023
  • "ST status for Meetei" at Panthoibi Shanglen
  • GSDP doubles, health shines
  • Vote has been cast, repoll held
  • Two faces of democracy
  • Laurels for Scientist Ngangkham Nimai
  • Crime against women in Manipur
  • "ST status for Meetei" at Sugnu
  • Creativity & innovation for vibrant career
  • 4th Foundation Day of YMC
  • Racing towards one year mark
  • Prophetic words, indeed
  • Nupi Landa Thaunaphabishing #14 :: Book
  • 174th Anniv Maharaj Narasingh #1 : Gallery
  • Ensuring Fair Voting in Hills of Manipur
  • Dr Irengbam Mohendra's latest book :: Rvw
  • NDA has the advantage in both
  • Lok Sabha polls in Manipur #1 : Gallery
  • L Rup's Robot 'Kangleinganbi' in Manipuri
  • Art- means of connecting hearts in Manipur
  • Is it Living Alive or Living Death ? :: Poem
  • Rabies - A preventable zoonotic disease
  • April 19, 2024: The blackest day of all
  • Ugly turns on voting day
  • Children Camp @JNMDA Imphal #2 : Gallery
  • The chasm between TB & HIV continues
  • Parliament and its Members
  • Kimchi for health and glowing skin
  • LS election with a difference
  • To vote, or not to vote ?
  • Sajibu Cheiraoba Chak Katpa #2 : Gallery
  • "ST status for Meetei" at Lamjao, Kakching
  • The Power of Poppy - 27 :: Poem
  • Mother Language based education essential
  • Modi's warriors wear regional hats
  • Nest Asia promoting Northeastern Cuisine
  • Now look beyond LS poll
  • The rot in the system
  • Scientists of Manipur : Laitonjam Warjeet
  • Community seed bank @Umathel : Gallery
  • 10 candidates cracked Civil Services Exam
  • Milk of Paradise: History of Opium : Rvw
  • How plastics find their way into our bodies
  • Condemning attack on Trucks along NH-37
  • Cong looking to buck the trend
  • Saving Manipur
  • Sajibu Cheiraoba: 1 occasion, 2 narratives #2
  • Election Duty :: Travellog
  • 1st Nagas' Meet in Punjab
  • How to select right MP to represent Manipur
  • "ST status for Meetei" at Tejpur
  • Bats are Keystone species for the Planet
  • The '15 days' conundrum
  • Free but not so fair
  • Descent of Radha-Krishna #30: Download
  • Before You Vote : My Rumbling Thoughts
  • "ST status for Meetei" at Kakching
  • Meiraba wins All India Sr tournament
  • Finding light in dark through my daughter
  • Navigating life's unreasonable expectations
  • Test of people's character
  • BJP's election manifesto
  • Athoubasingi Numit #1 : Gallery
  • Black rice & Glycemic Index
  • What Nadda should speak at Dimapur rally
  • Open Letter to CM Office Manipur
  • Meghalaya unveils Strawberry festival
  • Benefits of maths newspapers for students
  • Id-ul-Fitr @Hatta #1 : Gallery
  • 80th Anniv- Battle of Kanglatongbi @UK
  • Vir Chakra Ngangom Joydutta's bust unveiled
  • Hun - Thadou Cultural Festival : Gallery
  • Scientists of Manipur : Ngangkham Nimai
  • Sajibu Cheiraoba Chak Katpa #1 : Gallery
  • Sajibu Cheiraoba: 1 occasion, 2 narratives #1
  • Nupi Landa Thaunaphabishing #13 :: Book
  • Beating of the Retreat #1 : Gallery
  • Kenedy Khuman (Singer) : Gallery
  • Lamta Thangja @ Imphal : Gallery
  • Students @ Class X Exam : Gallery
  • Shopping List for Shivaratri : Gallery
  • Featured Front Page Photo 2024 #1: Gallery
  • Save Manipur : Protest [Feb 15] #3 : Gallery
  • GHOST of PEACE :: Download Booklet
  • List of Kings of Manipur: 33 - 1984 AD