The people of Arunachal Pradesh have a tradition of artistic craftsmanship. Crafts of Arunachal Pradesh stand apart as far as its beauty and way of its making is concerned. As far as art and culture is concerned the area can be divided into three zones. The first zone includes the Buddhist tribes i.e. the Sherdukpens and Monpas and the Khowa, Aka and Miji group, the Membas, Khambas, the Khamtis and Singphos. The Apatanis, Hill Miris and Adis belong to the second zone. The third zone is formed by the south eastern part of the territory.
Tribal Crafts in Arunachal Pradesh
The people who belong to the first group make beautiful masks and also stage pantomimes and mask dances. The Monpas make beautiful carpets, painted wooden vessels and silver articles. The people who belong to the second zone are expert workers in cane and bamboo. The second cultural zone occupies the central part from East Kameng District in the west to Lohit in the east. They weave articles that are in common use in their daily life. The shawls and Jackets of the Apatanis, the Adis Gale and shoulder bag and the Mishmi`s coat and shawl are symbolic of the high artistic sense of these people. The people of the third zone are known for their wood carving. The Wanchos weave beautiful bag and loin cloth. Goat`s hair, ivory, boar`s tusks and other stones as well as of brass and glasses are special fascinations of the people in this zone.
Weaving in Arunachal Pradesh
Weaving is the major occupation of the women folk throughout Arunachal Pradesh. They are particular about colours and also have a beautiful sense of colour combination. The major colours used are black, yellow dark blue, green and scarlet. Natural dye was earlier used but now-a-days synthetic dyes were used. Geometrical type designs are used. Sherdukpen shawls, Apatani jackets and scarves, Adi skirts, jackets and bags, Mishmi shawls, blouses and jackets and Wancho bags and loin cloths are some of the common weaved items.
Cane and Bamboo work in Arunachal Pradesh
Most of the domestic requirements are made of cane and bamboo. Hats, various kinds of baskets, cane vessels, cane belts, woven and plains, bamboo mugs with carvings, a variety of ornaments are some of the products that deserve mention. The two basic techniques are twill and hexagon both open and closed. Arunachal basketry is beautiful because of the fine texture and the unusual shapes. The angular and curvatious nature of some of the baskets has a functional value. The Apatani women wear nose plugs made of cane.
Wood Carving in Arunachal Pradesh
Wood craft is a tradition with some of the tribes of Arunachal Pradesh. The Monpas, Khamtis, and Wanchos are masters of this art. The Monpa wood carver makes beautiful cups, dishes; fruit bowls and magnificent masks for ceremonial dances and pantomimes.
Khambas and Membas of West Siang also carve wooden masks. The Khamtis make beautiful religious images figures of dancers, toys and other objects. The Wancho area is the chief centre of wood carving. Wancho wood carvers have deep sense of proportion, though they give much attention to the head. Of late symmetrical postures are replaced by asymmetrical ones; relief works are experimented in various themes.
Ornaments in Arunachal Pradesh
Ornaments in Arunachal Pradesh
Ornament making is another craft practiced in Arunachal Pradesh. Beads of various colours and sizes, blue feathered wings of birds and green wings of beetles are used in decoration. The Akas make bamboo bangles and ear ornament which are sometimes decorated with pocker work designs. The Wancho girls are expert in bead work. The Wanchos make ear ornaments from glass beads, wild seeds, cane, bamboo and reed. Silver ornaments are a specialty of the Mishmi tribe. The Idu Mishmi women wear silver fillet necklaces with lockets and beautiful earring.
Other Crafts in Arunachal Pradesh
Paper makings, smithy work, carpentry, pottery and ivory work are other crafts practiced by the people of Arunachal Pradesh. The Monpa tribe make paper tree. These handmade papers are used for writing religious prayers and hymns. Most of the requirement of tools and implements are made by the people themselves. Some of the blacksmith of Arunachal Pradesh are expert in gun making also. The Adis were expert in casting in brass. The Nishing smiths make brass ornaments, dishes and sacred bells. Pottery is the occupation of the women folk which is practiced by the Noctes, Wanchos, Nishings and Apatanis.
