Published Oct 16, 2026Updated Oct 16, 2026
Dalo’s Double-Layered Structure｜Tightly Woven Nigalo
Dalo is densely woven in a double-layered structure, with inner and outer baskets fitted together. We look at how this structure is rooted in everyday life and shaped by its use for storing and carrying grain.
Dalo are made by weaving finely split Nigalo with almost no gaps, then layering an inner and outer basket into a double structure.
Tightly Woven
Bamboo basketry varies by region and use. Some baskets leave the weave open for ventilation, while Dalo use fine Nigalo woven densely and then doubled in two layers.
Holding Grain
In the western Himalayas, Nigalo baskets have been documented as being used for storing and carrying grain. In the village we visited, crops such as corn are grown, and Dalo have been used to hold grain and preserved foods.
The dense weave and double structure may be related to these uses. However, in our research we did not find a clear record directly linking the origin of the double-layered construction to grain storage.
From Square to Round
Dalo rise from a square base and gradually transform into a circular form toward the top.
The next article takes a closer look at this structure, where square and circle coexist.
