This palanquin features cane panels and flooring and sliding doors with ceramic knobs. Commonly used for transportation, its windows are louvered for air circulation. The shape of the palanquin’s roof evokes Bengali architecture and is covered with cloth for light to filter through. Palanquins were lightweight and could be manoeuvred easily within narrow and crowded streets. They were decorated from within with cushions and thin mattress for additional comfort. Usually four men would lift the bars on each end and a parasol carrier and an attendant would walk along as well.
