Khok Crafting of the Rabhas of Assam: Anthropology of bamboo made curved surfaces

Abstract (English)

Crafting is an art, and bamboo is abundantly used for this purpose in Assam, a North Eastern state of India. Bamboo has a greater importance in the material culture of the communities residing in Assam. Rabha is one of the most prominent ethnic communities of Assam that uses different types of bamboo made curved surfaces, which are very much significant for their everyday life purposes as well as shaping their cultural identity. Khok is such a bamboo made open container that has a significant use in different purposes of Rabha culture. Using ethnographic techniques, this paper explores the anthropology of the crafting process of khok. The folklore related to khok is also covered in this work. In addition, the paper highlights the process of creating the curved surfaces of khok, the type of mental and physical calculations, estimations, and articulation that are involved in the crafting process of khok, and the transmission of this skill from one generation to the next. Additionally, the research explores the cultural significance of khok to the community.