Farmer’s Umbrella and Rain Shield – Ghum of Nepal

The folded mat used by farmers and workers is an ingenuous umbrella that provides complete protection from the rain; unlike the conventional umbrella, it allows both the hands to remain free to continue work. This unusual and utilitarian farmer’s umbrella is attached to a string that is slung over the forehead as a support. Made in bamboo the waterproofing is done with the leaves of the camel foot climber bhorla (Bauhinia Vahlia), which is sandwiched between the two layers of open weave bamboo sheets.