SAEDNEWS: A Kartaleh is a lidded basket woven from palm fibers and leaves, traditionally used for storing bread.
According to Saednews, In the past, people in Ilam made delicate local containers for storing bread. Today, these traditional items are considered part of the province’s handicrafts.
Kartaleh is a lidded basket traditionally used to store bread. In the following sections, we explore how it is made. Every year in the warmer regions, women weave equal-sized strands made from palm fibers and leaves to create a pot-shaped basket. The lid is woven using the same technique.
A Kartaleh made from palm leaves can last for up to 10 years when properly maintained. Both traditional and commercially produced bread can be stored in it for a considerable period. After the basket is woven, a layer of white calico fabric is sewn onto its inner walls and base. Once the bread has cooled, it is placed inside. Bread stored in a Kartaleh stays fresh for longer and is protected from mold and insects.
Tandoor-baked and saj-baked breads can remain fresh and usable for several days when kept in this traditional container.
In the northern parts of the province and colder regions, where palm fibers and leaves are not readily available, harvested wheat stalks are used to make Kartaleh baskets. For this purpose, wheat stalks are bundled after the ears have been harvested, moistened, and wrapped in cloth. This softens the stalks, making them easier to bend during weaving and preventing them from cracking or breaking.
The softened stalks are then woven together in an intricate and attractive pattern to create a thick basket. Kartaleh baskets made in highland and summer-pasture regions are woven from wheat stalks and other plants. Although they are not as sturdy as those made in warmer regions, they are highly effective for storing bread and keeping it fresh. Wheat stalks absorb excess moisture from the bread, helping it remain fresh for a longer period.
