Under the popular museum series ‘Exhibit of the Month’ of Indira Gandhi Rashtriya Manav Sangrahalaya, a traditional object has been displayed in the appearance for a whole month. The exhibit for the month of July, 2018 is- Phan: A pot made of Bamboo’.
This exhibit is widely used by Khamti tribe for serving meal to the elderly members of the family with respect and dignity. Every family among the Khamti tribe, the tradition of serving meal on this receptacle is indispensably practiced. Cooked meals, nicely packed on Tongching (local leaf) and decorated on bronze utensils (Komphi, Wanthong) are properly served on the Phan. It is tightly lidded to maintain the sanctity and wisdom of hygiene and the unique tradition of paying respect to the elders. This exhibition is being mounted by Shrikant Gupta (Museum Associate). Khamtis believed that meal served on Phan will refrain from getting contaminated and perished. Khamtis firmly believe that Phan should not travel outside the family. When it moves outside, it is believed to be inauspicious. Two types of cane species are used in the preparation of Phan. The larger one is called Wai loung while the small cane is called Wai Chaie Kai. The body of Phan is segmented in two functional parts; the upper part being the lid while the lower body serves as dining table. The conical lid is tightly woven and attached with a projected bamboo tip that functions as a handle to lift. Two circular rings of cane ribs, beautifully reinforced with vertically fixed cane elements at regular intervals provide aesthetically pleasing geometrical designs.