A typical home belonging to the Meitei tribe of
Manipur is constructed using bamboo and wood. The roofs are thatched, supported by bamboos. A bamboo pillar is placed at the south-western corner which is the place for worshipping Sanamahi (the Meitei deity). The rest of the pillars and supports are made of wood.
The striking feature of the Meitei home is the absence of any nails or metal objects in its construction. All the fastening work is done with cane and bamboo splits soaked in water. The beams and supports are fixed to each other using Pungjeis (sharp pointed bamboo objects measuring 30 cm in length), which are inserted into holes drilled for the purpose. The tips of the bamboo pillars are cut near the node to gain from its strength.
