Shek is a filtering basket used by the people of
Manipur. This basket is used for filtering the ash obtained by burning dried outer layer of the banana stem, straw and pea plants. The alkaline substance filtered out from the ashes is used in cooking.
The Shek Basket is conical in shape, with a diameter of 11 cm at the top and a height of 9 cm. The circular mouth contains flaps that are used as handles. Ash is put into basket and then water is poured into it. A tiny hole at the bottom of the basket serves as the drain for the water used in the filtering process. The solution that comes out is called ‘khari.’ The filtering baskets used by the tribal people are larger.
