Craft Name: Sikki
Region: Bihar
CRAFT
HISTORY
Sikki grass craft has ancient roots in Mithila culture, where women used golden Sikki grass to make ritual items and household objects. Historically, Sikki was associated with marriage, fertility, and festivals. Artisans hand-coiled and stitched grass into boxes, toys, and ceremonial gifts. Mithila paintings influenced many motifs seen in Sikki work. The craft received recognition during colonial times for its fine weaving.
WHAT MAKES IT UNIQUE:
- Made from naturally golden Sikki grass
- Extremely lightweight yet strong.
- Uses coil and stitch techniques done entirely by hand.
Received a
GI tag in 2007
COLOURS
- Traditional palettes include rich jewel tones, maroon, emerald, navy, royal blue, paired with gold or silver zari.
- How much time does it take to make a product, and how many artisans are involved in making this craft? A Zardozi piece takes 3–20 days, involving 2–5 skilled karigars
MOTIFS
How much time does it take to make a product, and how many artisans are involved in making this craft?
A Sikki grass item takes 1–4 days, crafted by 1–2 women artisans
RAW MATERIAL
- Sikki grass
- Natural / synthetic dyes
- Small metal awl or needle-like tool
CRAFT MAKING PROCESS
HOW TO IDENTIFY GENUINE AND AUTHENTIC CRAFT
- Natural golden sheen
- Fine, uniform splitting of the stalks that can be seen in individual filaments.