Crafts of North East India have a rich craft tradition that speculates on their creations. Arunachal Pradesh, Assam, Manipur, Meghalaya, Mizoram, Nagaland, Tripura and Sikkim; each state presents their speciality in craftsmanship. North East India is the abode of a large number of tribes and sub-tribes. They possess a vigorous craft tradition and every tribe excels in craftsmanship. The superiority manifests itself in the various craft items which stand the evidences of their dexterity.
Crafts of Arunachal Pradesh
Arunachal Pradesh presents an ambit of crafts including carpet making, masks, painted wood vessels, bamboo and cane crafts, weaving, woodcarvings and jewellery making. Other miscellaneous crafts like handmade pottery, brass cutting, silver works, etc are also being presented by the artisans of Arunachal Pradesh. They also make numerous articles with goat hair, ivory, boar"s tusks, beads of agate, and other stones as well as of brass and glass.
Crafts of Assam
The Crafts of North East India have a rich variety such as the people of Assam have excelled in a rich variety of arts and crafts. The array of crafts encompass handloom weaving, cane and bamboo works of Assam, sholapith, brass and bell metal works, ivory, wood-work, pottery and fibre craft. Handloom weaving comprises the culture of Eri, Muga and Mulberry Silk.
Crafts of Manipur
The Crafts of North East India have a spectacular range of variety. The artisans of Manipur have contributed to the richness and variety of Indian culture with its peculiar blend of tribal traditions and Vaishnavism. Of the numerous colourful crafts of Manipur, their textiles, strong bell metal bowls, cane and bamboo craft of Manipur and mats made of spongy reeds can be traced as having rich artistry. Manipur is also well known for its beautiful dolls and toys of straw and clay are also remarkable craftsmanship of Manipur.
Crafts of Meghalaya
The Crafts of North East India have been enriched by the distinct craftsmanship of Meghalaya. Cane and bamboo craft of Meghalaya holds a prime place. Artistic textile weaving and woodcarving is practiced in Garo hills. Silk weaving of Eri silk is very famous. Carpet weaving, ornaments, musical instruments are other specialities. But the unique craft of this state is Pineapple fibre articles a in which fibre from its leaves is utilized for making various types of nets, bags and purses.
Crafts of Mizoram
Being the domicile of a plenty of skilled artisans, Mizoram showcases decent variations in crafts like weaving, bamboo and cane craft of Mizoram, pipes, jewellery and musical instruments. The art and craft forms of Mizoram occupy a very important sector of the industrial market of the state.
Crafts of Nagaland
The Crafts of North East India are made wealthier by the decent crafts of the Nagaland. They incorporate weaving, basketry, woodwork and jewellery making, pot making, products made out of shell and beads, bird"s wings and flowers, woodcarvings generally associated with the religious beliefs and practices, apart from preparing objects for daily use like utensils, etc.
Crafts of Tripura
The residents of a huge number of tribes, Tripura keeps the tradition of a huge array of crafts that adds to the glory of the Crafts of North East India. Handloom is the most important craft of the state. The foremost feature of Tripura handloom is vertical and horizontal stripes with scattered embroidery in different colours. It is followed by cane and bamboo craft of Tripura. The well admired handicraft items of Tripura are bamboo screens, lamp stands, tablemats, sholapith, woodcarving, silver ornaments and other crafts that are practiced.
Crafts of Sikkim
Sikkim is resplendent with not only its natural beauty but with its art and craft too. The cultural richness of Sikkim is visible in its quality handicrafts. The wood carving in Sikkim is symbolic of true art of India. The natives of Sikkim weave various striking designs and patterns. They weave woollen blankets, bags, shawls and jackets with the reflection of their mastery over the art.
The crafts of North East India has a vast variety as the artistry differs from one state to another and each carries a distinct style that stands alone in the Indian market. The culture and the dexterity of the people add variety to the rich tradition of Crafts of North East India.
