The bamboo and cane crafts of Mizoram are specially crafted by the Mizos, the inhabitants of Mizoram. The abundance of raw material and surplus of the craftsmen has influenced the bamboo and cane crafts of Mizoram to prosper. Having an ancient past tradition of crafts, the Mizos are born with the creativity in this specific field. Mostly the Mizo men are involved with this craft.
The people of Mizoram make a variety of beautiful and useful items that glorify the bamboo and cane crafts of Mizoram. Mizos, the inhabitants of Mizoram, make different use of the fibres and leaves of bamboo and cane to create different items. The different uses include house making and furniture apart from baskets, weaving tools, umbrella-handles, mugs, hats, fish baskets, pipes, toys etc. In furniture they make everything from sofas to chairs to tables and moorhas etc. Apart from these, the Mizo people use bamboo extensively to make their houses. Even some of the floors and walls of the houses are made up of bamboo.
The artistry of the Mizos in bamboo and cane crafts is best displayed in the different shapes and sizes of the baskets that are easily found in different locations of the state. The baskets serve different purposes. Broad baskets are meant for cotton, vegetables, firewood, etc. The closed baskets are used for grains. The salmagundi of cane and bamboo products of Mizoram are crafted at the three different centers of handicraft located in Lunglei, Aizwal and Chimptuipui.
The wide range of crafts of Mizoram, made of bamboo and cane, flaunt hats of exclusive design made of cane, different types of animal and fish traps made of bamboo. Other items include bamboo cones, japis and circular boxes which are used for storage purposes. The craftsmen create a wide range of jewelry made out of bamboo, which the Mizo people prefer to wear. One of the well known bamboo ornaments of Mizoram is traditional headgears that are famous among the people of Mizoram.
The Mizoram cane and bamboo crafts play a significant role in the economy of the state. The initiative of the state government will enhance the availability, popularity and market of the bamboo and cane crafts of Mizoram in the Indian market as well as in the international market. Though there is a substantial market of cane and bamboo products as these handmade ethnic items are much in demand among the tourists the artisans of this state need a touch of education to promote their crafts in the market.
