Art and Craft of Arunachal Pradesh includes a wide variety of indigenous crafts like pottery, woodcarving, painting, weaving, basketry and numerous others which are practiced by the local artisans. This North-Eastern Indian state can be classified into three distinct zones, in the sphere of arts, which consists of Buddhist tribes or Monpas, Sherdukpens and Miji, Khowa and Aka group, the second zone being that of the Khamtis, Membas and Khambas and finally the Singpos. The Buddhist tribes of Arunachal Pradesh are renowned for their attractive masks, mask dances and stage pantomimes.
Excellent carpets, ornamental silver artefacts and painted wooden vessels manufactured by the Monpas are quite reputable, while the bamboo and cane crafts made by the Membas, Khamtis and Khambas are also favourable. Coats, shoulder bags and shawls made by Mishmis and jackets woven by the Apatanis are amongst the other interesting crafts of this state. The Singpos are known for their woodcarvings and the Wanchos are admired for their ability to create fantastic bags and other items from ivory, beads of agats, boar`s tusks and goat`s hair.
Bamboo and Cane Crafts of Arunachal Pradesh
The craftsmen of this state are engaged in crafting numerable artefacts from bamboo and cane like different types of baskets, hats of numerous shapes and sizes, cane vessels, bamboo mugs, jewelleries out of bamboo and cane, cane belts and many other articles. Hexagon and twill are the two kinds of processes which are employed while manufacturing such crafts.
Weaving Crafts of Arunachal Pradesh
The womenfolk of this region of India is involved in the occupation of weaving and it is said that the colour combination utilized by them are quite beautiful. Scarlet, yellow, black, green, dark, blue and yellow are the most commonly used colours used by the local weavers. Elaborate geometric motifs, which also consist of lozenges and diamonds, are also employed. Natural dyes are preferred. Scarves, Apatani jackets, bags, Sherdukpen shawls, loin cloths and Wancho bags are some of the notable products which are manufactured in this part of the country.
Carpet-Making Crafts of Arunachal Pradesh
Floral and geometric patterns as well as those of dragons are widely utilized while making carpets in Arunachal Pradesh. The craft of weaving carpets is one of the traditional crafts of this area. With the passage of time, the carpets of this region have gained popularity due to their unique colour combination. The Monpas are well-known for the capability of weaving wonderful carpets.
Wood Carving Crafts of Arunachal Pradesh
The Monpas, Khamtis and Wanchos are capable of creating fruit bowls, dishes, cups and masks which are often sued in several traditional dances and pantomimes in Arunachal Pradesh. The Membas and Khambas tribes of the region of West Siang are known for their toys and other objects while the area of Wancho is distinguished for its innovative wood carvings. Nowadays, the wood artisans have deviated from the traditional styles of crafting the wood carvings and introduced a modern touch into their crafts.
Jewellery Crafts of Arunachal Pradesh
Jewellery-creating craft of this Indian state is very popular and includes various types of appealing pieces of ornaments. Beads of different sizes and green wings of beetles are often utilized in adorning the jewels. Bamboo ear ornaments and bangles are crafted by the Akas, which are embellished with pocker patterns. The Wanchos and Noctes love wearing beaded jewellery, especially around their necks, most of which possesses spectacular designs and colours. Beaded jewels are manufactured from reed, bamboo, wild seeds and glass beads. Mishmis are well-known for their silver ornaments and the Idu Mishmi ladies are clad in wonderful earrings and silver fillet necklaces with lockets. The Apatani women prefer sporting nose plugs which are made of cane.
Other Crafts of Arunachal Pradesh
Ivory crafts, paper crafts, carpentry crafts and pottery crafts are amongst the other significant crafts of this region. Paper trees are made by Monpas and the hand made papers are utilized for writing hymns. Different types of tools which are required for utilitarian purposes are manufactured by the local craftsmen of Arunachal Pradesh. Adis are known to be dexterous in the art of gum-making and Nishing smiths make bells, dishes and ornaments. The Apatani Tribe, Nishings, Wanchos and Noctes are renowned for their crafts. Several kinds of hunting weapons like arrows, daos, spears, bows and arrows cross bows and guns made by the local artisans are useful crafts. Fishing nets are also woven by the regional people of this Indian state. Ivory crafts and the craft of making dolls are amongst the other traditional crafts practised here.
