Uttarakhand Ringal Craft is a nifty art where the artisans use a special species of dwarf Ringal that grows in these areas to weave various products like baskets, bins, mats and other utility items. Ringal weaving provides livelihood to the communities of Chamoli, Bageshwar, Khalijhuri, Pithoragarh.
The most important characteristic of Ringal is that, it is nearly water resistance in comparison to the Bamboo, and Ringal also survive in the snow fall area in upper Himalayan region, due to this it is very much popular in the villagers and even in the tourist places in the Himalayan area in Uttarakhand.
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Four species of Ringal were commonly used on the basis of their characteristic.
- Chimnobambusa jaunsarensis Syn. – locally known as Ginwas Ringal which is more flexible, durable
- Thamnocalamus Falconeri (Munro) Keng f. – locally known as Deo or Dev ringal which is smooth, flexible, shining and soft nature
- Drepanostachyum falcatum (Nees) Keng f. – locally known as Gadh Ringal which is less flexible, less durable and weak
- Thamnocalamus spathiflorus (Trin.) Munro. – locally known as Tham ringal which is long, durable and hard in nature
Among these species Chimnobambusa jaunsarensis was mostly used and preferred by the ringal weavers (Rudiya’s) for making articles due to its availability, durability and quality followed by Himalayacalamus falconeri due to its flexible and smooth nature.
Drepanostachyum falcatum which was abundantly available in the nearby forest areas was not preferred by the weavers due to its less durable nature and roughness of bark. The species of Thamnocalamus spathiflorus was commonly used in covering and weaving roof of grassy houses (goth or chhani) and making hooka pipes and walking sticks.
Weaving of various kinds of baskets and other articles form the major use of ringal among the Himalayan community for carrying livestock dung, manure, fuel wood and other forest produce, fodder, grass, ration, and clothes for washing. These vary in shape and capacity according to the use.
Slightly conical shaped baskets are called ‘Solta’ or ‘Ghida’. The size and shape of ‘Ghida’ or ‘Solta’ varies according to usage requirement such as carriage of water, milk container, carriage of bulky material, carriage of food to fields and pasture lands, storage purposes and collection of fruits etc
Large baskets are harnessed to the back with the help of rope of Dholan (Girardinia diversifolia) and Bhang (Cannabis sativa). Various woven articles such as ‘Suppa ’ (winnower) for winnowing of grains; ‘Moreta’ (mat) laid down on the earthen floor for sitting purposes and for drying grains and edible items; ‘Bhwanu’ (broom) for sweeping and cleaning floors.
GI Tag Registration Date : 14 September 2021
GI Tag Number : 652
Certificate Number : 391
Geographical Area : Uttarakhand
Special Cover Release Date : 28 November 2021
Cancellation : Dehradun 248 001
Type : GI Tag Cover
Cover Identification Number : UK/08/2021-2022
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