Bamboo Tale of Lepcha: Special Reference to North Sikkim

Bamboo, one of the precious plant resources of the earth, plays a cardinal role in shaping the pattern of life in South and East Asian countries, where it grows abundantly. It has a long history in people's life as cultural material. Since ancient times the extensive use of bamboo is evidenced in hunting-gathering, fishing, agricultural activities, warfare, transportation etc. India is the second richest country in bamboo generic resources after China. In India, bamboo is one of the most important forest species and has a wide distribution throughout the country. In terms of bamboo resources, the North-Eastern region of India is regarded as the most promising region in the country. Tribal communities of this area are masters in the skillful tradition of bamboo craft. This book highlights the rich cultural heritage of bamboo craft among the Lepcha community of Sikkim in general and of the Dzongu Reserve area in particular. Bamboo is an indispensable part of their livelihood and is associated with their origin myth and cultural ethos.

 

This book is an attempt to present the empirical findings and documentation related to bamboo basketry and the associated traditional knowledge system of the Lepcha Community of North Sikkim, India.