The Surna is a traditional cane strainer, which serves as an important representation of the material culture of the Cachari, considered as one of the indigenous communities of India resided mainly in Assam and Northeast India. This unique strainer is used mostly for domestic filtration purposes, especially in rice beer preparation by the Cacharis. The Surna reflects the beautiful craftsmanship and wise use of material culture as utilized and fashioned by the Cachari. The Surna is built of splitted bamboo. It features a conical basket-like structure. It is mainly made for the effective filtering purposes. Attached at the tip of this conical form, a small, hexagonally woven cane structure is added for its purpose, as well as enhancing the look of the Surna.
Most importantly, there is a very strong cane rim by which the body is tightly bound with cane strips, thus enhancing durability and structural integrity. Besides this, the attributes of natural-material, bamboo, and cane emphasize a sustainable relationship with the environment concerning the forest. The Surna is not merely an object of use but arguably speaks of the identity of the tribe as well as its association with Indonesian handweaving traditions. The craftsmanship of such a strainer is usually handed down from generation to generation and with it, the technique along with the deep-rooted significance linked to it. The broader scale of indigenous knowledge systems and craftsmanship is represented by the Surna. Here, functional design and cultural heritage are fused within the domains of North-East India.