INDIAN STATE : ARUNACHAL PRADESH

Major Industries

Arts and crafts industry

Arunachal Pradesh is a land of beautiful handicrafts comprising wide range in variety. All the people have a tradition of artistic craftsmanship. A wide variety of crafts such as weaving painting, pottery, smithy work, basketry, woodcarving etc. are found among the people of Arunachal Pradesh.

On the basis of the art and cultural pattern, the indigenous inhabitants of the state may be divided into three distinct groups, (i) the group comprising Bodic tribe like Monpa, Sherdukpen, Memba, Khamba, Khamti and Singpho, (ii) group including the Aka, Miri, Miji, Sulung, Nishing, Adi, Apatani, Hill Miri, Tagin, Mishmi, Tangsa, Nah, (iii) and the Nocte and the Wancho. All of these groups have some speciality in their art items. The members of first group are good in art of woodcarving and painting works. The second group is widely known for their weaving and cane and bamboo works. The third group viz. Nocte and Wancho are also good wood carvers but their style and motifs are quite different from the other groups. They also specialise in beads works. Apart from these, carpet making, screth painting, tattooing, pottery, smithy and ivory works are also practiced by some of the tribesmen, which assume significance of their respective society

Weaving industry

Weaving is the occupation of the womenfolk throughout the territory. They are very particular about colors and have a beautiful sense of colour combination. The favourite colours are black, yellow dark blue, green, scarlet and madder. Originally they used natural dye but now a days they switch over to synthetic dyes available in the market. The designs are basically geometrical type varying from a formal arrangement of lines and bands to elaborate patterns of diamonds and lozenges. These designs are enhanced by internal repetition and other decorations.

A few of the woven products that deserves mention are Sherdukpen shawls, Apatani jackets and scarves, Adi skirts, jackets and bags, Mishmi shawls, blouses and jackets and Wancho bags Although fly shuttles are now being introduced particularly in the government run weaving centers, the traditional looms are still in use and the genuine textiles are products of these looms.

Cane and bamboo industry

Cane and bamboo industry of Arunachal Pradesh is of very high standard. Most of the domestic requirements are made of cane and bamboo. Hats of different sizes and shapes, various kinds of baskets, cane vessels, a wide variety of cane belts, woven and plains, elaborately woven brassier of cane and fibre, bamboo mugs with carvings, a variety of ornaments and neckless are some of the products that deserve special mention. The technique of basketry is also worth mentioning. The two basic techniques are twill and hexagon both open and closed.

Arunachal basketry is beautiful not only because of the fine texture but also because of the unusual shapes. Many a baskets have pleasing forms. There is definite correlation between the shape and the topography and climatic condition of the region. The angular and curvatious nature of some of the baskets has definite functional value.

Carpet Industry

Carpet making is the specialty of the Monpas. They weave lovely colourful carpets with dragon, geometric and floral designs. The choice of colour and the colour combination is unique. Though originally they weave carpet for domestic use, it has now become an item of trade. Along with increase in demand, production has also been made in large scale.

Wood Carving Industry

Woodcarving is a tradition with some of the tribes of Arunachal Pradesh.The Monpas, Khamtis, and Wanchos occupy significant place in this art. The Monpa wood carvers make beautiful cups, dishes, fruit bowls and carve magnificent masks for ceremonial dances and pantomimes. Wooden masks are also carved by the Khambas and Membas of West Siang. The Khamptis make beautiful religious images figures of dancers, toys and other objects. Very beautiful woodcarvings are made by the Wanchos of Tirap. In fact the Wancho area is the chief center of woodcarving. Wancho woodcarving was earlier associated mainly with head hunting and human head dominated everything that they made. But now-a -days variety of subjects is included. They are invariably free standing. Minute observation on the details will reveal that the Wancho wood carver has deep sense of proportion, in spite of the fact that they give much attention to the head. Of late departure from the traditional fixed form is noticed in many carved figures. Asymmetrical ones replace symmetrical postures; relief works are experimented in various themes. There is no doubt that change has penetrated deep into the Wancho woodcarving.

Ornaments Industry

Ornament making is another craft widely practiced in Arunachal Pradesh.Besides beads of various colours and sizes blue-feathered wings of birds and green wings of beetles are also used in decoration. The Akas make bamboo bangles and ear ornaments, which are sometimes decorated with pocker work designs. Most of the ornaments are made of beads, as the tribes are very fond of it. While some people just hang strings of beads round their neck, others such as the Noctes and Wanchos weave them into very attractive patterns. The Wancho girls particularly are very expert in beadwork. The designs and colour combination are superb. Besides beadwork, the Wanchos make ear ornaments from glass beads, wild seeds, cane, bamboo and reed. Various ornaments of coloured glass beads hold a special fascination for the people of Arunachal Pradesh.Silver ornaments are a specialty of the Mishmis. The Idu Mishmi women wear silver fillet necklaces with lockets and beautiful earring. The Sherdukpens and the Khamtis at one time were also renowned for silver work.