Bamboo - The ‘Timber’ of Mao-Naga Community

Abstract

Background: Bamboos are group of plants of wide ranging cultural and economic values to local communities. The present study was carried out to understand the importance of bamboos for the Mao-Naga community of Manipur, India, and the associated Traditional Knowledge.Methods: Ten artisans (two females and eight males) were selected purposively for the study. Open-ended interviews conducted in person, and telephonic interviews were used to collect data. Prior Informed Consent (PIC) was taken from the knowledge partners prior to the interview. Voucher specimens have been deposited in Central National Herbarium (CAL), India.Results: Our study records the uses and associated traditional knowledge on six bamboo species. The Mao-Naga are capable of distinguishing species from their taste, texture and physical appearance. Except Bambusa pallida, all other species are consumed. In addition, the Mao-Naga also consume bamboo borers (Omphisa fuscidentalis) infesting bamboos. Bamboos are used in traditional soil conservation techniques. Bamboos also play an important role in the community's calendric system, as seasonal indicators. Conclusions:The traditional knowledge recorded in this study would be of help to the community in planning bamboo harvesting, mitigating soil erosion, soil conservation and maintain agricultural productivity. We recommend that value addition in bamboo crafts, bamboo shoots and bamboo borers should be promoted for enhancing livelihood security.

Bamboos: Diversity, Utilization and Economic Importance in Tizit Area of Mon District, Nagaland, India

“…It is one of the most important building materials used by humans because of its elasticity, lightness and strength. The special property of a bamboo is, fast to grow and short harvest periods (Lokho & Narasimhan, 2019) and also because of its high mechanical properties (Yu, 2007). Bamboo plays a very important role for the Asians and also for the South American as it is closely associated with their survival and culture (Wong 2004).…”