Sikki Grass Products
| GI number | GI-50 |
|---|---|
| Typical price | ₹200 - ₹4,000 |
| Verified cooperatives | Bihar State Handicrafts Corp |
| State | Bihar |
About Sikki Grass Products
Sikki Grass Products are handmade baskets, boxes, toys, mats and decorative pieces crafted from golden sikki grass in the Mithila region of Bihar. The items are coiled, woven or plaited, and coloured with natural or synthetic dyes. Designs include animals, dolls and geometric patterns. The products are lightweight, eco-friendly and have a glowing, straw-gold finish that looks warm in any room.
Heritage and place
For generations, women in villages around Madhubani, Darbhanga and Sitamarhi have made sikki articles for weddings, where baskets and decorative boxes are traditional gifts. The craft is a source of income for rural women's groups. The GI recognises the region's expertise and protects the traditional style from machine-made plastic imitations.
How it is made
The grass is harvested, dried and split into thin strands. Artisans dye some of the strands and then coil them around a core of thicker grass, stitching each round with fine strands using a needle. The coil is shaped into baskets, lidded boxes and toys. Patterns come from colour changes in the coil, and tight stitching gives the piece strength.
Registry record
Sikki Grass Products is listed in this catalogue as GI-50, a Geographical Indication tagged product of Bihar in the handicrafts category. The name is legally protected: only producers within the notified region may sell under it. Confirm the entry in the official GI Journal before relying on it commercially.
◈ How to spot a fake Sikki Grass Products
What to check
Look for tight, even coiling and neat stitching, with no loose strands. A natural, grassy smell and a golden colour are good signs, while heavily coated or plastic-looking items may not be authentic. Pieces should hold their shape when gently pressed. Buy from women's cooperatives, government emporia and Mithila craft fairs, and keep items dry and out of direct sunlight to protect the colours.
- Coiled artifacts handwoven from golden wild Sikki grass stalks spliced carefully by hand; fakes use colored plastic straw arrays.
Price to expect
Genuine Sikki Grass Products typically sells in the range of ₹200 - ₹4,000. Prices far below that range are a common sign of an imitation.
Where to buy
Look for authorised sellers such as Bihar State Handicrafts Corp, or government emporia and cooperatives in Bihar.
Catalogue record
Catalogue record: GI-50 · Bihar · reviewed
Frequently asked questions
What is the GI registration number of Sikki Grass Products?
This catalogue lists Sikki Grass Products as GI-50. Registration numbers should be confirmed against the official GI Journal before commercial use.
Where is Sikki Grass Products made?
Sikki Grass Products is produced in Bihar, in the handicrafts category of this catalogue.
Can Sikki Grass Products legally be made outside Bihar?
No. GI protection means only producers within the notified region of Bihar may legally sell goods under the name “Sikki Grass Products”.
What does genuine Sikki Grass Products cost?
Genuine Sikki Grass Products typically sells in the range of ₹200 - ₹4,000. Prices far below this range are a common sign of an imitation.
How can I spot a fake Sikki Grass Products?
Coiled artifacts handwoven from golden wild Sikki grass stalks spliced carefully by hand; fakes use colored plastic straw arrays.
Where should I buy genuine Sikki Grass Products?
Look for authorised sellers such as Bihar State Handicrafts Corp, or government emporia and cooperatives in Bihar.
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