Raw Materials
Grass: It grows in the rains along the banks of rivers. Kaas, Fara, leaves of the palm tree are a few in use.
Pigments: The artisans procure pigments from local market to color the grass into variety of colors.
Waste
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Tools & Technology
Chaku: These are knives used to cut the grass and are available in various sizes.
Dhrathi: This is a splicing tool.
Rituals
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Process
The grass is harvested in winter and the peel of the stalks are left out in the dew for about 3 days for the color to lighten. Some splits are dyed brightly to pattern the baskets; these give the Ranidongri baskets their characteristic touch.
To make the baskets, the reed is first split and shaved. The grass splits are then made wet with water for ease of use and effective fit. A helical spiral is made from grass splits and pointed palm leaves are then coiled over the length of the grass spiral. The subsequent pitches of helix are also stitched together with the help of palm leaves, which results in a semi-spherical shape of the basket. No thread or other material is used for the construction of baskets. While coiling with palm leaves, the artisans place dyed leaves at regular interval to create the characteristic pattern in their baskets.