Bamboo and Rattan Traditional Uses and Beliefs

• Main Author: PIPER, JACQUELINE M. (Author)
• Format: Book
• Language: English
• Published: Singapore Oxford University Press 1992
• Series: IMAGES OF ASIA
• Subjects: Bamboo > Asia, Southeastern; Rattan > Asia, Southeastern
• Online Access: Click Here to View Status and Holdings.

 To examine the variety of uses of bamboo and rattan is to explore the basis of South-East Asian cultures. Bamboo and rattan underlie so much of South-East Asian life it is hard to imagine the region without them. Canes provide not only food and medicines but also the raw material for constructions from bridges and houses to jewellery and toys. Bamboo plays an essential role in many ceremonies and beliefs; it is present in courtship, childbirth and death, and in dealings with the spirit world. Rattan, the solid handmaiden of hollow bamboo, complements it in practical uses: together the two canes are used in agriculture, fishing, hunting, furniture making, music-making, and a range of handicrafts that includes basketry, lacquerware, and textile weaving. The relationship between cane structure and uses is explained and the natural history and production of both canes are described. Folk-tales are recounted: poems and sayings are quoted from many countries. The book is illustrated with lithographs, drawings, and photographs. 'Images of Asia' offers a range of titles covering aspects of life and culture in East Asia. Each book in the series combines an introductory text, written for the non-specialist reader an authority on the subject, with extensive Illustrations both in colour and black and white. 'Images of Asia' therefore provides a means of acquiring a deeper understanding and appreciation of the region in all its diversity.