Bamboo and Cane Crafts of Nagaland - Informative & researched article on Bamboo and Cane Crafts of Nagaland
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Bamboo and Cane Crafts of Nagaland
The Bamboo and Cane Crafts of Nagaland have established a different tone in the field of arts and crafts.

Bamboo and Cane Crafts of NagalandThe bamboo and cane crafts of Nagaland have excelled in the present epoch as they are affluent in the tradition of this craft. The ample supply of bamboo and cane has fastened the growth of the craft in Nagaland. It has been said that the Nagas start life "in a cradle of bamboo and ends in a coffin of bamboo".

The bamboo and cane crafts of Nagaland have earned a lot of admiration not only in India but also in abroad. The reason behind the intensification of these crafts centres round the widely availability of necessary elements and artisans required for the crafts. The bamboo and cane crafts are essentially restricted to men artisans of the state. The craftsmen are deft in making varieties of baskets that are usually of two kinds. The usage of baskets differs based on the sizes and designs of them. Some of the baskets are to be kept in the house for storage purposes and the others are carried on the back for day-to day use. The baskets made by the `Ao` are conical in shape, while the `Angami` basket is cylindrical with the mouth slightly wider than the base. Generally all Nagas make their own baskets and there are no professionals. The storage and carry baskets of Nagas made by the women from fine strips of cane and bamboo are well known and sought after due to their utility as well as aesthetic value.

The Khonoma village of Nagaland is particularly well known for their intricate weaves and designs that carry the tradition of bamboo and cane crafts of Nagaland. The baskets of Khiamngan weavers in the Tuensang District are also known for their fineness and delicacy of work that gives it a lace-like appearance in creating cane baskets and containers. Apart from creating utilitarian items the Naga people are skilled in making items that are instances of much effort and creativity like headgears, mats, shields, hats etc. The hats are made from fine bamboo and cane strips. Presently, entrepreneurs have utilised the skills of these craftsmen to weave beautiful cane furniture that are being marketed in the local as well as outside market. The Changs make attractive `chungas` or drinking cups. These cups are sometimes designed with painted stylized floral patterns or with human figures done in relief, greatly enhancing the shape and the texture of the items. Necklaces, armlets and leggings are made of cane, which are popular among the local people. They even construct walls and floors of houses with bamboo and cane. A mat is widely used by the local people of Nagaland is a kind of finely woven mats for drying paddy.

The skilled artisans of Nagaland prepare different kinds of armchairs, sofas, tables and cradles for babies that occupy the Indian crafts market. The Naga people are skilled in creating musical instruments like flute, mouth organ, trumpet, and cup violin as well. These instruments use while performing tribal songs and dances. The Naga flute is one of the simplest instruments made of thin `ani` bamboo. Other craftworks include picturesque cane crafts comprising bowls, mugs and containers with multi-colored engravings on them. Other variations are cane helmets, hat frames, cane-rain proof hats etc. Some tribal men weave very attractive neckbands, armlets and leggings from fine strips of cane. Sometimes the strips are dyed red and stems of the yellow orchid in combination with cowries are used to create these types of jewellery. Mats woven of cane strings with fine texture have decorative value in the recent market.

Another most noted example of the bamboo and cane crafts of Nagaland are the tribal costume accessories like Combs, Konyak Naga Belt, leggings worn by Angami and Ao Naga men. These are called Phipha in local dialect and made from bamboo. The Naga people often make weapons like Chang Naga Cross-Bow from bamboo, which are an important part of tribal life. Even domestic products like cheap, light dishes from bamboo, which can be seen in every house of the state. Some of the domestic products produced from bamboo are Bamboo Saucers, Angami Naga Bamboo Spoons, Kedzu(a hayfork that is used by the Ao Nagas) and many more. Lithuo is a fishing tray made of bamboo that is used by the tribal people in Nagaland.

The bamboo and cane crafts of Nagaland are an inseparable part of the tradition and culture of the region. As the bamboo and cane crafts have absorbed a major part of the tradition and established the craft as a hallmark of the consummate skill, expertise, talent and creativity of the tribal craftsmen.

(Last Updated on : 23/05/2011)
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