Dhama is an indigenous bamboo-cane basket of
West Bengal. It is available in a variety of sizes and shapes. Traditionally, these baskets were meant for carrying, storing and measuring of grains. In recent times, their usage has extended to the planters, fruit-sellers and bread-bakers.
Dhamas are made by the artisans belonging to the Namasudra caste of the Hindu community. Uncut canes are used in the making. The canes are heated and bent over a charcoal fire. They are coiled together to give the appropriate shape. The finished product is given a treatment of smoke to make it insect free and waterproof.
This technique, used in the making of the baskets, has been adopted for other items like bamboo seats, trays, quilt beaters, fruit trays and bowls, planters, tablemats, waste paper baskets and magazine racks.
