Bamboo Wonders: How a Village in Bangladesh is Shaping a Global Handicraft Industry

From rustic workshops to international markets, the artisans of Tangail are crafting bamboo wonders that blend heritage, sustainability, and artistry.

Home Reviews Bamboo Wonders: How a Village in Bangladesh is Shaping a Global Handicraft Industry

Bamboo Wonders: How a Village in Bangladesh is Shaping a Global Handicraft Industry

Like close relatives embracing each other, a vast bamboo grove stands tall, sharing joy and sorrow. Rows of collected bamboo are cut to size and neatly arranged, while a craftsman skillfully trims and smoothens them. This is Deldur village in Tangail—a paradise of bamboo craftsmanship. The artistry of bamboo and cane has enriched this region, keeping a timeless tradition alive.

Artisan Skills

In almost every household of Borni, Prayagjani, and Kopakhi villages in the Pubail Union of Deldur Upazila, traditional craftsmanship thrives. Bamboo is sliced into thin strips to create cane, with its thickness adjusted based on the type of craft. As the primary material in handicrafts and artisan work, cane is carefully crafted by artisans according to their preferences and needs. After being processed from bamboo, the cane is dried in the sun and then colored as required.

In this craft, women are just as skilled as men. This industry has become the primary source of livelihood for most villagers. Through the intricate weaving of cane, the shape of a fruit basket gradually emerges. Their hands move as smoothly as a machine, shaping each piece with flawless precision. The skilled hands of these artisans transform labor into artistry.

This quiet revolution of handicrafts has reshaped the region. Amidst the lush greenery and tranquil surroundings, a bustling world of craftsmanship thrives. Sharp blades are used to strip and soften the cane, ensuring flexibility. Pre-made cane strips are then used to secure the edges of the woven baskets.

Global Market

More than 2,000 people in this region are involved in bamboo-based handicrafts, with many having worked in the industry for over 40 years. It takes approximately three to four hours to create a single bamboo lampshade. Both men and women here possess remarkable craftsmanship.

These Tangail-made lampshades are not only popular in the local market but are also exported to at least 17 countries. Each factory employs hundreds of workers. With skilled hands, artisans meticulously carve and weave, shaping exquisite jewelry boxes that showcase intricate craftsmanship.

The intricate craftsmanship and beauty of these handmade pieces can captivate anyone’s heart. Who would have thought that rough, rugged bamboo could be transformed into such elegant shapes?

Production Process

A bamboo plant takes about three to four years to mature, and only bamboo that is at least three years old is used in these crafts. Thick-walled, mature bamboo is ideal for this work. The natural ivory hue of cane, combined with shades of green, creates stunning jewelry boxes that are both visually appealing and eco-friendly.

To remove dust and dirt from the finished products, they are coated with fine soap powder, then dipped in water and sun-dried. This process enhances their shine and eliminates any residual bamboo odor. Alongside their daily household tasks, women in the region earn up to 10,000 BDT per month through this craft.

After washing, it’s time for continuous sun drying. The fruit baskets seem to be spread out as if they are stretching themselves under the sun. Alongside, various shaped lamp shades add to the display—some round, some flat, and some shaped like pumpkins. There are even unique lamp shades resembling the towering chimneys of nuclear reactors. Watching them compete to touch the sky in clusters is quite a sight!

Renowned handicraft and artisan brands in the country directly source these bamboo products from Tangail to sell at their outlets or export abroad. Before reaching the market, the finishing touches are completed right in the factories.

After the tight weaving process, glue is applied to each joint of the dried products. Then, they are sun-dried once again. Any unwanted rough edges on the bamboo are burned off with fire, making the surface of the cane even smoother. In some cases, fire is also used to create visually appealing designs on the products.

Bamboo and cane have their own natural, captivating colors. Some products look best in their natural shades, requiring only a coat of varnish for a polished finish. After polishing and another round of sun-drying, electrical components are added to make them functional. Pre-burnt blackened bamboo bases are fitted with electrical plugs and holders, making the products ready for the market.

Collections

A vast collection of handcrafted products can be found here. Currently, there is high demand for baskets, table lamps, lamp shades, place mats, various types of trays, stools, fruit baskets, tissue boxes, pen holders, jewelry boxes, window curtains, waste paper baskets, and many other products, which are commercially produced.

It is hard to imagine the sheer variety of items that can be made from bamboo without seeing them firsthand. The collection of fishing traps and decorative hanging lights is truly remarkable. Lamp shades resembling an English lady’s hat or home decor inspired by the nests of weaver birds are sure to capture anyone’s admiration.

Conclusions

Many locals independently produce and sell handcrafted products to factories as a family business. A full-time artisan can earn between 17,000 to 20,000 BDT per month. Some workers, after gaining 6 to 7 years of experience in factories, have taken the initiative to establish their own workshops and have achieved financial success.

Due to the high demand for handicrafts, skilled entrepreneurs have never faced disappointment. Understanding the tastes and preferences of art-loving customers and developing products accordingly is one of the key secrets behind the success of Tangail’s handicrafts industry.