The crafts of Assam bear the rich cultural heritage of the state. It brings out the artistic caliber of the people living in the state. Foremost amongst the traditional crafts of Assam are hand-made toys, made from clay, cork (pith), wood and bamboo and an admixture of cloth and mud. Weaving and embroidery are the primary crafts of the state, which have carried on for generations. Cotton, Muga silk, Paat silk, Eri silk are some of the well known fabrics of the state which are used for weaving. Sarees, shawls, jackets are common products. The main handloom weaving districts of Assam are the Cachar district and Sualkuchi. Seats, mats and cushions are made with fibre in Bhatadrava of Nagaon district and Gauripur of Dhubri district.


Cane and bamboo products are other crafts of the state. The Assamese people are known for making beautiful furniture and roof tiles with canes. Other things made out of bamboo includes, sieve, beer mug, winnowing pan, waterpot, small baskets and hats. The Sitalpati mats are crafted out of reeds and are also excellent handicrafts.

Exquisite woodcarvings are a traditional handicraft of the state. The painted woodwork of Golaghat speaks of the folk art of the state. The terracotta products of Assam are unique and have a design of their own. Gauripur is an important place for terracotta products.

Brass and bell metal crafts are mainly produced in Hajo and Sarthebari in Kamrup districts of Assam. The main products created here are Kalah (water pot), Sarai, Kahi (dish) Bati (bowl) lota and tal (cymbals). A sarai is a shallow bowl on a stand with a dome-like cover and it is used in Asamese rituals. The Kalah is a designed pitcher which have attractive motifs engraved on them.

The jewelry of Assam speaks volume of the fine craftsmanship of the people of Assam. The most exclusive jewelry pieces are the bangles, which are a combination of clay and lacquer work. It is decorated in pure lac and laid in narrow strips of red, yellow and blue.

The woodwork of Assam is also an outstanding example of a craft. It is unusual in style. A special type of a wooden house is the namghar or kirtanghar, which contains a throne in the shape of a peacock and are raised in tiers from three to nine and are supported by lions, elephants and tortoises. The walls also contain elaborate carvings.