Bull Rush Reed Artist
sahana davallappa satpute
Laxmeshwer, Karnataka
Davalappa Satpute, inspired by his family’s agricultural background, discovered the potential of bulrush reeds in eighth grade. Collaborating with Mr. Gopi Krishna from the handloom industry, he explored weaving techniques at exhibitions. His focus on bulrush deepened, leading to three years of training a group in Tumkur. The pandemic brought Davalappa back to Laxmeshwar, where Sahana Reed and Leather emerged. Seeing an opportunity, he trained local women in bulrush weaving, empowering them with a valuable skill. The process involves cultivating, harvesting, and hand-splitting bulrush for year-round use. Now, Davalappa’s family and 15-20 village women engage in the craft, making Sahana Reed and Leather a beacon of community empowerment and skill development.
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about craft
Bulrush reed craft, also known as bulrush weaving or bulrush basketry, is an ancient craft practiced by cultures around the world for centuries. Bulrush reeds, also called cattails or typha, grow abundantly in wetland areas, providing a sustainable and readily available material for craftspeople. Skilled artisans harvest these reeds and transform them into various functional and decorative objects, including baskets, mats, hats, and even furniture.
Craft Style Followed:
Bull Rush Reed Artist
notable collabs
Bulrush Bull Head
Enakshi Ghosh
Textile Designer
Bulrush Bull Head
The bull heads are modelled on cattle which is an indispensable part of the agro-pastoral communities across regions in southern India. The bull is considered as a symbol of fertility, abundance and strength and “Nandi” is the sacred bull mount of the Hindu God – Shiva and is often worshipped as His animal form. Decorated bulls are common in rituals and celebrations for many communities there. The braided bulrush reeds and its bold, rough nature was felt appropriate to make these bull heads. The colours that adorn the bull heads is natural-dyed banana rope. These banana fibres and bulrush reeds are abundantly available in and around Laxmeshwar village in Gadag district, Karnataka, India. The artisans of this region have been using these natural fibres for ages for their crafts.
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