The Phingaruk is a woven container made of split bamboo. It is native to the state of Manipur, in India. Families from the 30-plus tribes of this state use phingaruks to store their clothes and valuable possessions. The height of the container, including the lid, is approximately 50 cm (20 in.). The top circular rim is about 37 cm. (14.5 in.) in diameter. The lateral surface of the phingaruk is double-walled, with an inner layer woven with a square base, and an outer layer that flares out to the circular top rim. A wide strip of bamboo is attached to the perimeter of the base to form a pedestal to reinforce the way in which the object negotiates the ground. The real sophistication of this object and the weaving process that generates it could hardly be appreciated from a few black and white images. It is truly compelling to me how this hand crafted container resolves its two main challenges: the complexities of the volume generated by a process of lofting from square to circle; and the need to respond to the demands of its function –a sturdy object to store valuable things- using a lightweight material only. On top of that, the way in which the exquisite ornament is consubstantial with the process of weaving that generates the object, and the use of indigenous vegetable dying processes to obtain deep, saturated colors, makes this unknown object truly exceptional in every possible way.
