
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.
They also weave articles that
are in common use in their daily
life. The shawls and Jackets of
the Apantanis, the Adis Gale and
shoulder bag and the Mishmi's
coat and shawl are symbolic of
the high weaving talents and
artistic sense of the people.
The people of the third zone are
famous for their woodcarving.
The Wanchos, however, weave
beautiful bag and loin cloth
also. Goat’s hair, ivory, boar’s
tusks, beads of agats and other
stones as well as of brass and
glass are special fascinations
of the people of this zone.
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