Bamboo art makes a comeback
One cannot miss the sight of scores of craftsmen weaving wonderful bamboo items while passing by the Exhibition Ground at Nampally. And one must have noticed deftly woven bamboo crafts bedecking the houses of the rich and the mighty.
After a lull due to the pandemic, these artisans are busy again, making amazing bamboo crafts which are in great demand not only just in Hyderabad, but also other major cities and towns across the state.
These bamboo artists, who belong to the Medar community, live in huts and carve innovative crafts, which are merited by leading bureaucrats and can be seen in posh villas. Their most popular crafts include handmade partitions, bamboo rolling curtains, baskets, mats, bowls, bamboo flutes, bird feeders and hand fans
using bamboo and coconut leaves. Incidentally, the city’s top architects recommend their clients to add these crafts to their interiors to get a better look.
Medar community migrated to Malakunta, Nampally, from coastal
areas, during the nineteenth century. Now their third generation has come up with their magnificent handmade bamboo and coconut crafts that are in great demand in the state.
The Medars who are also referred to as Mahinders, basically are tribals. They prepare exclusive decorative crafts that are much sought-after. “These people are excellent craftsmen and artisans,” said Saba Ansari, an interior decorator. “Their crafts are unique and durable, and can be displayed in drawing rooms,” she added.
“Our crafts are found in most of the houses, offices and guest houses of popular politicians, businessmen and Tollywood stars. I installed bamboo rolling curtains in the houses of popular Telugu film stars including film producer Dil Raju. Even today old women are seen holding a winnow separating stones from rice grains,” G. Sunil, a young craftsman said.
“We are trained to make any craft on demand while our men go for installation on orders to Nizamabad, Karimnagar, Warangal and other districts. We cater to the local market as well,” M. Shakuntala, another craftswoman, said.