Diversity of Art and Craft of Meghalaya.

 

For centuries , north-eastern region has been a smorgasbord of various cultures , which is reflected in the rich array of handicrafts one can find here-from bamboo and cane products , to masks , wood carvings , textiles and earthenware. Meghalaya is known to be the paradise on earth which means “the abode of clouds”. Tourist are bound to be awestruck by the diversity of arts and crafts of the region. While most tribes and communities have their distinctive handicrafts , the materials used to make them are largely same.

 There are several crafts found in Meghalaya but cane and bamboo holds a prime place. These products have received recognition not only in the national market but also in the international market and are much in demand. The ‘Jaintia’ tribe is famous for making beautiful fishing traps out of bamboo. Artistic textile weaving and woodcarving is practiced in Garo hills. Silk weaving of Endi silk is very famous. Sonidan is an important centre of endi silk carving. The unique craft of this state is pineapple fiber articles in which fiber from it’s leaves is utilized for making various types of nets, bags and purses. Meghalaya is culturally very rich in the area of dance and music. The different of types of dances are Nohkjot, Masteih ,Shad wait , Shadynti etc.

Meghalaya is home to many wonderful handicrafts. Weaving, be it on cloth or cane, has been an art for long in the state. There are some amazing handicrafts weaved by the various tribes of Meghalaya. The ‘khasi’ tribe is famous for weaving mats, baskets and chairs out of cane. A special kind of cane mat called ‘Tlieng’ is popular for it’s durability. The khasi tribe also makes domestic knives, utensils and even guns with extracted ore. The ‘Garo’ tribe weaves ‘Dakmanda’ a material used for their dresses along with shirts , bed covers , bedsheets and tablecloths. Baskets known as ‘Meghum Khoks’ are also created and used for storing different items.

Other arts like weaving , carpet weaving and manufacturing of ornaments and musical instruments are also included in the handicrafts of Meghalaya.