Sikki is a wild grass that grows near water in north Bihar, and it dries to a soft, shining gold.
From grass to craft
The grass is cut, dried and sometimes dyed, then coiled and stitched by hand, tight spiral by spiral, into boxes, baskets, trays and small figures of animals and gods. A single piece can take days.
A gift for a new home
In Mithila, sikki work has traditionally been made by women, and sikki boxes are part of what a bride takes with her to her new home, holding small treasures and gifts.
Why it lasts
Tightly coiled sikki is strong and light, and it keeps its golden colour for years. Like Madhubani painting, it’s a craft that started at home and has travelled far beyond Mithila.