The Lahu are one of the hill tribes of Thailand, living in what is termed the "Golden Triangle" and struggling in a hostile environment to maintain the integrity of their way of life. The Lahu have a reputation as basket makers. They weave sturdy bamboo baskets in round or oval shapes which are used for carrying cooked rice or by the women for keeping sewing supplies.
This hand-woven basket is based on a traditional Lahu basket. Lahu couples weave baskets together. Trunk-style and hamper baskets with and without feet are traditional ones which the Lahu use for storing everyday items. The husband is mainly responsible for finding bamboo from the jungle and then peeling the bamboo into strips for weaving. The wife weaves the basket and the husband does the finishing.
The pattern and weaving method of this particular basket is the same for traditional baskets, but with a modified design. Lahu villagers use baskets like this for shopping or for picking garden vegetables. Fair Trade.
