In a quiet corner of Assam’s Lakhimpur district, a remarkable cultural legacy, painstakingly fashioned from bamboo and cane over a century ago, continues to endure, safeguarded by a single family determined to preserve its past.
The treasure trove, housed in the village of Germany Chuk in Boginadi, belongs to the family of Ram Saikia. The collection, consisting of over 60 distinct artefacts, was originally crafted by his grandfather, Golap Chandra Saikia, a master artisan whose work symbolised both functionality and refinement during his time.
Among the most striking items in the collection are a complete ensemble of bamboo attire, including a shirt, trousers, cap, shoulder bag (mona), hand-held accessory (lakhuti), glasses, and even a bamboo wristwatch. “These items are made entirely of bamboo. My grandfather Golap Chandra Saikia made them. These have been around for more than a hundred years,” Ram Saikia said.
Saikia recounted that during his grandfather’s era, the absence of readily available or affordable garments led individuals to embrace bamboo as a sophisticated alternative. “Those who could, dressed in a sophisticated manner to showcase their nobility. My grandfather wore this entire outfit even when visiting his in-laws,” he said.
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Beyond clothing, the collection includes intricately crafted flower vases, sarais, and other domestic items, all made from bamboo and cane. Some of these artefacts have drawn recognition at exhibitions across India and abroad, including in Kerala, Kochi, Delhi, Kolkata, and even Indonesia. The craftsmanship has earned accolades, including a President’s Award.
Remarkably, many of these items remain in pristine condition, their preservation a testament to the family’s enduring care. According to local lore, some garments were once believed to be resistant to gunfire—a claim that underscores their mystique and durability.
Despite their historical and cultural significance, the family has yet to receive any support from the government. “I have not received any help from the government. If I do, I plan to build a home to preserve these items,” Saikia said, expressing his desire to transform the private collection into a public museum.
“These are the heritage of the people of Lakhimpur. Some items are being neglected. My grandfather made over 100 items. I request the government to provide me with a museum,” he added.
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