The region of North East India is home to numerous indigenous tribes and groups and is both culturally rich and visually appealing. The Seven Sisters comprises of the states Arunachal Pradesh, Assam, Meghalaya, Manipur, Mizoram, Nagaland and Tripura. This area has a long tradition of fine art and handicrafts that showcase the distinctive customs and inventiveness of its inhabitants. The region has a rich artistic history that is reflected in the handicrafts of North East India. from Assam handicrafts being popular for its bamboo arts and crafts to the delicate weavings of Manipuri handicrafts and the gorgeous black pottery Manipur, this region is a treasure trove of creative handicrafts.
Different handicrafts of North East India
We'll explore some of the well-known artistic genres and handicrafts that characterise this alluring region's cultural landscape in this blog post.
Pottery and Ceramics
Each state in North East India has its own distinctive pottery and ceramics history. With its characteristic black colour, glossy sheen, and durability, Manipur's Longpi pottery or black pottery Manipur distinguishes out. These magnificent pieces are made by artisans using a unique technique combining a combination of clay and serpentinite rock. (1) These are handcrafted by the Tangkhul tribe residing in Nungbi village, Manipur. The primary focus of Tripura's pottery culture is the creation of exquisite terracotta figurines and household items, many of which have mythical themes.
Manipuri Handicraft – Manipur Weaving
Manipur holds a unique position among India's handloom-producing regions. The handloom sector is the state's largest domestic industry. This sector has been thriving for a very long time. The fact that only women work as weavers is one of the key features of the Manipuri weaving cottage industry. While Manipuri weaving is known for Manipuri bedcovers, Manipuri Weaving stoles and Manipuri dupattas Manipuri handicrafts include sustainable water reed items like bags and shopping bags.
Bamboo & Cane products
Because there are so many bamboo woods in the North East, cane and bamboo crafts are very common here. This adaptable material is turned into a variety of products by skilled craftspeople, including baskets, furniture, carpets, and ornamental objects. The Assamese Mishing tribe is renowned for its sophisticated bamboo and cane weaving techniques, which they employ to create goods like traditional chairs, fish traps, and kitchenware like baskets and trays which are some famous products of Assam handicrafts. Manipur is, also, well known for its exquisitely crafted Manipur bamboo craft which includes trays, and lampshades made of cane and bamboo with beautiful patterns.
Weaving Traditions of North East
North East India's cultural legacy includes weaving in its entirety. Each tribe has its own unique weaving customs, methods, and patterns, resulting in a beautiful tapestry of various designs. The elaborate patterns and vivid colours of the traditional handloom textiles of Assam, Manipur, Nagaland, and Meghalaya are well known. Manipuri Phaneks, Muga and Eri silk from Assam, are recognised for their exquisite craftsmanship and plush textures. The beautiful geometric designs and animal motifs on Naga shawls serve as symbols of their unique cultural identity.
Water hyacinth products of Assam
With the recent popularity of sustainable living and eco-friendly home décor, Water hyacinth craft of Assam has come into the limelight. Local artisans use water hyacinth fibres to create products like water hyacinth bags and home décor items like trays, coasters and more.
How are people preserving these traditional handicrafts today
Like any other handicraft industry local artisans face challenges like stiff competition from mass produced products, lack of finance, marketing problem and so on. However, with online shopping platforms like iTokri the local artisans can reach out to a larger audience now. Artisans today are also exporting and exhibiting their crafts across the world. Arts like Thangka paintings of Arunachal Pradesh, Mizo tribal jewellery and Assam handicrafts has already gained popularity across the country and the world.
It is obvious that handicrafts of North East India have contributed significantly to the socioeconomic advancement of all communities of the Seven Sisters. Most handicraft businesses are managed by women and are handmade and they are a testament to the region's rich cultural heritage and the creativity of its people.
FAQs on Handicrafts of North East India
Which crafts are famous in North East India?
Some of the famous Handicrafts of North East India are
- Assam silk
- Eri Silk
- Cane & Bamboo Crafts
- Black pottery Manipur
- Manipur Weaving
- Thangka Paintings
- Naga weaving
- Water Hyacinth craft
Which is the famous art form of Assam?
The state of Assam is renowned for its different kinds of silk, cane and bamboo products.
Which is the handicraft industry of Manipur?Famous Manipuri handicrafts include stone carving, block printing, hand embroidery, cloth weaving, wood carving and black pottery. Manipur's cane and bamboo crafts are also well-known.
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