Arunachal Pradesh has a rich tradition of Bamboo and Cane Handicrafts and also Wood Carving and Carpet Weaving. The products reflect the rich and varied culture of the tribes inhabiting this enchanting State and the products featured are representative of the wide range of Handicrafts produced in the State.

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.

From the point of view of art and culture the area may very conveniently be divided into three zones. The first zone includes the Buddhist tribes i.e. the Sherdukpens and Monpas and also to some extent the Khowa, Aka and Miji group; the Membas, Khambas, the Khamtis and Singphos. The people of the first one make beautiful masks.They also periodically stage pantomimes and mask dances.

Making of beautiful carpets, painted wooden vessels and silver articles are, however, the speciality of the Monpas. The people of the second zone are expert workers in cane and bamboo. The Apantanis, Hill Miris and Adis make beautiful articles of these materials, which speak eloquently about their skill in handicrafts. The second cultural zone occupies the central part from East Kameng in the west to Lohit in the east. The third zone is formed by the southeastern part of the territory.

Weaving

Weaving is the occupation of the womenfolk throughout the territory. They have an excellent sense of color. The basic colors that dominate the weaves are black, yellow, dark blue, green and scarlet - all put together in the most fascinating combinations. Originally natural dyes were used which today have given way to synthetic dyes. The designs are essentially geometric varying from formal arrangement to lines and bands. Items that could make excellent buys are sherdukpen shawls, Apatani jackets and scarves, Adi skirts, jackets and bags, Mishmi shawls, blouses and jackets; and Wancho bags.

Cane and Bamboo works

The cane and bamboo industry of the state has made a name for itself. As a matter of fact most of the domestic requirements are made of these materials. Hats, baskets, cane vessels, cane belts - woven and plain, bamboo mugs with carvings, a wide variety of ornaments and jewelry items are all crafted by workmen.

Carpet Making

A specialty of the Monpas, the Buddhist community, is carpet weaving, with exotic designs of dragons, geometric and floral patterns. Carpet weaving has today become a major occupation of the womenfolk and with an increase in demand, production of the carpets is now being undertaken on a large scale.

Wood Carving

Wood carving is a tradition with some of the tribes of the state. The Monpa wood carver scoopes out beautiful cups, dishes and fruit bowls and magnificent ceremonial masks for dances and pantomimes. Another tribe that is famed for this art is the Khamptis who carve out beautiful religious images, figures of dancers, toys and other objects.

Ornaments

Crafting ornaments is another art widely practiced by the Arunachalis besides multicolored beads, feathers of birds and wings of the green beetles are also used as embellishments. The Akas make bamboo bangles ear rings which are occasionally decorated with pocker work designs.

Other Crafts

Paper making, smithy work, carpentry, pottery and ivory work are the other crafts practiced by the Arunachalis. The Mongpas make paper locally, from pulp of trees called Sukso or the paper trees. This hand made paper is used for writing religious prayers on them. Hunting, fishing also form the subsidiary occupations.

These are some of the traditional crafts of the people of Arunachal Pradesh. There are many more minor arts such as pocker work, doll making, ivory work etc. Practiced in different parts of Arunachal Pradesh.

With a view to help developing arts and crafts and to substantiate the livelihood of the people, local boys and girls are imparted training in specially set up craft centers. The rich heritage of arts and crafts of Arunachal Pradesh is sure to add color to the cultural heritage of the country.