When tie plant becomes a reddish brown colour the stem and branches are collected, dried and are crushed on a large plain stone with a mallet (Koldapeni). In this way the fibers are separated and from these fibers, ropes are made by using a duek (locally made spinner). Ropes prepared from Bakat is usually used for weaving local charpoy (Zhen). The debris/waste of bakat is not allowed to be burned because the plant is considered a "Syed" plant. Considering something as Syed means that it should be respected. For example, the pigeon is considered locally to be Syed and is not hunted. Syed is a tribe who claim their origin and linage back to the Qureish of Arabia, and the Qureish tribe is continued to be respected in Muslim culture due to its links with the prophet Mohammad (Peace be upon him). As the plant is of economic importance, the term Syed might had been used for its conservation purposes. Bakat fibers are also used to make a thick thread locally called "P0lta". The polta was, and in some areas continues to be, used with a Siah Kaman gun. As it burns slowly, it was used to ignite the explosive to fire the charge.
Local Name | Bakat |
Botanical Name | ------- ------- |
Part used | Stem and branches |
Locally used for | Making rope |