Arunachal Pradesh

Arunachal Pradesh is famous for handicraft items and art & craft items. The handicraft of Arunachal is unique and exquisite, rare to find elsewhere. A wide spectrum of elegant crafts such as weaving, painting, pottery, smithy work, basketry, woodcarving, cane & bamboo work, carpet making etc. are found among the people of Arunachal Pradesh. Ornaments making is a craft widely practiced in Arunachal Pradesh. The work of a silver smith is more intricate and artistic. Besides beads of various colors and sizes blue feathered wings of birds and green wings of beetles are also used in decoration. The Akas make bamboo bangles and ear ornament which are sometimes decorated with pocker work designs. Most of the ornaments are made of beads as the tribes are very fond of it.

• Woodcarvings: It is a tradition with some of the tribes of Arunachal Pradesh. The Monpas, Khamtis, Wanchos, Phom, Konyak tribes occupy significant place in this art. The Monpa wood carver makes beautiful cups, dishes, fruit bowls and carve magnificent masks for ceremonial dance and pantomimes. The Sherdukpen the Khampa and the Monpa make masks which appear almost like real faces, while other represent birds and animals and some represent apes and men twisted mouths, women with goire to drive away the evil spirit. The masks are made of a single block of wood hollowed inside; holes are usually but not always, made for eyes and mouths; most masks are painted, but the older ones are generally found dark and discolored.

• Weaved Items: Weaving is the occupation of the womenfolk throughout the territory. They have an excellent sense of color. Crafting ornaments is another art widely practiced by the Arunachalis. The rich heritage of art and crafts of Arunachal Pradesh is sure to add color to the cultural heritage of the country. A few of the woven products that deserves mention are Sherdukpen shawls, Apatani jackets and scarves, Adi skirts, jackets and bags, Mishmi shawls, blouses and jackets and Wancho bags and loin cloths.

• Cane and Bamboo Works: Cane and bamboo industry of Arunachal Pradesh is of very high standard. Most of the domestic requirements are made of cane and bamboo. Hats of different sizes and shapes, various kinds of baskets, cane vessels, a wide variety of cane belts, woven and plains, elaborately woven brassier of cane and fibre, bamboo mugs with carvings, a variety of ornaments and necklace are some of the products that deserve special mention. The main Sales Emporium is located at Itanagar, from where the handicraft items are available.

• Handicrafts Center: This establishment offers a good range of shawls, carpets, carved baskets and the beautiful cane and bamboo works in which the North East excels Behind and on one side of the showroom, is the workshop where cane is heated, cut and woven by tribal artisans with great skill.