One man fondly called as Ma Sihon but whose full name is Sihon Puweiñ from Siejlieh, Nongstoiñ in West Khasi Hills District is an expert in bamboo and cane weaving through which he produces items such as the ‘mula’ or the traditional styled stool, baskets, mats as well as traditional items such as the ‘knup’ and the ‘prah’ amongst others.
It is said that his particular in many different workshops and conferences organised by the Government, Ma Sihon has also received many certificates from the Government which includes from the State Institute of Rural Development, Government of Meghalaya, the Department of Commerce &Industries, Government of Meghalaya and others.
What is even more wonderful is that Ma Sihon even though is nearing 66 years of age he is yet still very active in every work he does be it in farming or gardening, in sowing and reaping as per the season and time.
Ma Sihon in his interaction with t7 has invited the youths of the area to come to him so that he can train them on how to make and weave items from bamboo and cane while also adding that there have been a few youths who have come to him for training and have now independently started their own businesses.