The Gadaba tribe of Odisha makes a traditional bamboo basket called the Tipni which is used for agricultural and household purposes. This type of traditional basket is medium-sized and marked by bright yellow hues, which come alive into the whole object and speak for the inherent aesthetic of the tribe itself.
The making of the Tipni involves an ordinary mat-weaving style of bending split flat bamboo strips tightly into diverse patterns to create a very strong, flexible body. This technique ensures durable weaving for handling any daily chores. For easy access, the basket opens circularly at the top while the base has a squarish shape with four prominent corners, thereby lending balance and stability whilst on the ground.
The Tipni is primarily for seed storage, an important role during the sowing season. Its hard structure protects seeds from moisture and pests. Besides agriculture and being a multipurpose container, it can be put to different uses in a Gadaba house—for carrying grains, vegetables, or any other household material.
It is not just a functional object but also speaks of the innate relationship with nature that the Gadaba people have, an indication of their resourcefulness and bamboo craft. The use of natural dyes such as yellow intensifies their eco-friendly practice and cultural richness.