Making the Hogla stool

The Hogla plant grows in abundance beside the many waterways and rivers of Bangladesh. Traditionally, it has been used for roofing and matting.

Hogla leaves are cut down in 2m lengths leaving 1m above water level to encourage re-growth.

The leaves are split, soaked and twisted – ready for use by our craftsmen.

Brothers Anwar and Fazzuddin Hussain own two workshops in Tongi (Dhaka, Bangladesh).

They have been partnered by HEED Handicrafts for six years.

They can employ and accommodate up to 35 people in two basic workshops made from concrete posts with corrugated tin roofs and sides.

The twisted Hogla is woven skilfully and speedily, by hand and feet, around a metal frame to make baskets, stools and boxes.

The women remove any rough edges with razor blades and then the ends are singed to make a smooth finish.

Majeda has worked here for 20 years. She is very proud of the three daughters she has raised with the help of the income she receives from each hogla piece she makes.

At the end of each day, the young men put away their tools, relax in the workshop, playing football and watching TV, then pull down their mattresses from the line and sleep on the workshop floor.