As years passed and techniques refined, the evolution of the art can be seen in baskets. The art of basket waving is as old as pottery or stone craft.In ancient time people prepared baskets to hold their food or other collectibles. Later, with the advent of different cultures, basketry took shape both for daily use and ritual purposes. Special patterns have evolved according to local traditions and techniques. Day by day it's improving to make them attractive and more organized with highly detailed patterns and designs with bright colors. It has been reformed and redesigned by Designers of Udaan Society connected with EthnicPip with a group of master craft people.
Moonj based communities :
India has several Natural Fiber (Moonj) based communities who live in villages in forest areas. It has been an integral part of their lives and livelihood.They use it for construction, fences, Roof thatches, daily utility items and crafts.
Origin of Moonj Grass: The art of spreading attractive and bio color
Small villages of Uttarakhand and Uttar Pradesh situated near the banks of nanak sagar revier and Jamuna river.These villages are famous for Moonj-wild grass products.Moonj and Kaasa/rara are the types of wild grass that grow near the banks of the river in and around vast areas of Allahabad. Moonj is basically outer layer of 'Sarpat' grass.This layer is peeled and knotted as it is easy to store and dry. These knots are locally called as 'Balla'.Initially, the Kaasa grass is dried and it is wrapped with the moonj grass by rolling around Kaasa. The motifs of basketry are created by adding colored grass in between to give an attractive look.
The Need of a Design Intervention :
Design intervention seen as an interface between traditional and modernity, that matches craft production to the needs of modern living.
Why use Moonj grass products?
The Moonj grass products are ideal to serve daily life purposes.These natural products can be used as containers, food storage devices and wall decorators.The baskets are used in the kitchen for storing flour and foodgrains. Food, especially rotis, flat bread, stored in them stays fresh.Special baskets with shell tassels are made by a mother for her daughter’s marriage. The baskets for daily use are available in a different size.
Help Tribal Woman Empowerment by using eco friendly Moonj Grass Products:
This craft is mostly maintained by women.The women gather raw materials and make products at their convenience. This craft has been passed down across the generations that have kept it alive. Also, the craft has traditional significance as the products are given as gifts to women in ritual functions and weddings. Many NGO's come forward to explore this talent. Their handcrafted products are available online.Please click on the link to know more about the products : https://www.ethnicpip.com/?q=moonj+grass