A variety of storage baskets made from woven bamboo and rattan such as this, are still used by highland communities in northern Thailand and other parts of Southeast Asia today. This type of baskets with straps are used for carrying harvested produce and firewood, and also to storing food. The Karen have been known to make lacquered baskets like this example. They often apply lac, a resinous secretion of a number of species of insects, to waterproof the baskets. Other communities who also make similar type basketry include the Akha, Lisu, Hmong and the Lahu.
