Cane and Bamboo forms an integral part in the lives of the people of Sikkim. Bamboo is used in many ways to make several articles and generally people use it in many ways to make those things which are required in their day to day lives.
Bamboos are giant woody grasses and over 1200 species of bamboo are known to exist throughout the world, with sizes ranging from miniatures to giants stems of over 60 metres. Bamboos are among the fastest growing plants on the planet and are an integral part of the cultural, social and economic tradition of Sikkim. The traditional use for Bamboos to make household furniture items like moorah's or small stools, decorative items like flowers, utility items like pen stands, picture frames, baskets and dust bins. Attractive user friendly and eco- friendly products made out of cane and bamboo are fruit and vegetable baskets, beer mugs, hair clips, flower vases, containers etc.
Cane and bamboo craft is one of the many crafts that are found in Sikkim. The articles produced are mainly for day to day use. Bamboo is a good substitute for plastics, steel and cement for housing, furniture construction and agricultural tools and implements together with new designs and improved technologies. It is also an ecologically sustainable raw material which can offset the exploitation of our forests. Bamboo is also a major food crop.
Bamboo grows in abundance all over the state but cane is found only in a limited area. Training for 2 years is provided for Sikkimese boys and girls from the age group of 14 to 24 for skill development in this craft by the Directorate of Handicrafts and Handloom. This is a self-employment generating venture by which the artisans can earn while working from their own homes.
The Directorate of Handicrafts and Handloom is also involved in promoting languishing crafts like the traditional art of Lepcha Hat making which is made primarily with cane and bamboo.
