Flattened Bamboo Containers of Arunachal Pradesh

Bamzi, a flat cylindrical container with a lid, made by the Monpa tribe, is made by using a technique of heating bamboo to flatten it. The container has spiral rings that the lid closely fits over. It is used for storing butter and cheese.

The construction of this article is done using a year old she bamboo. First, the outer nodal rings and skin are scraped. The bamboo is then slit along the length with a knife. The end is heated and forced flat, then held within a kampa /bamboo clamp. The clamp is held in both hands which is then pressed and rolled on the ground continuously wrapping the flattened bamboo sheet around it. With increase usage and contact with oil, the container gradually turns a rich brown in colour.

Similar articles such as lakhji /milk pail, a container for rice beer and bhray/grain measure are made in Nagaland, Manipur and Arunachal Pradesh.