Howdah

"He checked the rigging, seeing that the eight-inch-wide woven hemp cinch was not too binding on Mo. The howdah sat comfortably on a foot-thick mat filled with camel hair and lined with sisal cord. It was made of strong giant bamboo laced with bindings of reed, sisal, and jungle root. No bolts or screws of any kind were used as the howdah had to move with the animal, not be too rigid, lest icaused pinching and cutting. There were six holes in the top of the frame to support a small canopy . This would ward off sun or rain. Bram had tied the assorted bundles to the outer edge of the howdah to form a circle, putting everything within close reach for his needs. The flooring of the howdah was similar to the one he had used back at home. Made of thick woven rattan, and with the help of an overlying blanket, it made a comfortable area in which to function." (Helfer, 154)

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