Bamboo Furniture of Katlamara, Tripura

Bambusa affinis is an extremely strong and solid species of bamboo used as a substitute for cane to make furniture in Tripura. Traditionally, Katlamara was known for its bamboo poles used in fishing, pole vaulting and boating but the production of furniture is said to have the potential to alter the economy of bamboo artisans. Furniture making uses only the basic tools of carpentry. The joints are made by drilling, housing and pinning with bamboo nails. The frames are made from the whole bamboo whereas the seat and the back are woven from bamboo splits. Contemporary furniture is made using the whole bamboo in a minimalistic way.

The tools used are dao, hammer, handsaw, file and chisel.

The types of furniture made are benches, beds, shelves, window blinds, folding screens, room dividers, lamps, tables, hangers and chairs.