Paiem is an indigenous basket used by the Lushai tribe of Mizoram. It is also known by the name ‘empai’ and is used for carrying food grains and similar farm produce. The part ‘em’ from the word ‘paiem’ means basket, while ‘pai’ means ‘without holes’ referring to the lack of holes because of the closed weave.
The bamboo used in the weaving is locally called ‘rawnal.’ The rim and corners are strengthened using split cane. It is also used as the weft while weaving the sides near the base. The cane is locally called ‘mitperh.’ Before the basket is woven, the cane is smoked to give it a dark reddish brown coloration.
Paiem has a square base, with the sides reaching out to a circular rim. The base measures diagonally 200 mm while the rim has a diameter of 410 mm. The height is 430 mm.
