Assam has a glorios tradition of Handicrafts. Handloom weaving is a way of life in Assam.
Almost every household in the village has a
prized possession of a loom. Cotton, Muga,
Paat (Silk) and Endi are common fabrics
widely used for weaving. Images or caricatures
of animals, human figures, creepers, flowers,
birds, cross borders etc. are favoured motifs
embroidered on these handloom products.
The traditional garments with beautiful
designed borders are mekhela-chaddar, Riha
and Gamosa (Towels). The Laichangphi quilts
in Cachar district are an industry by itself
of Assam. Sualkuchi being the biggest silk
production center is called as the 'Manchester
of Assam'.
Jewelry, particularly of gold is a tradition
in Assam. The Sonowal Kachari tribe collect
gold from the birds of the rivers flowing
down the Himalayas. The jewellers known
as Sonari make exquisite Doog-Doogi, Bana,
Jon-biri, Dhol-biri type lockets; Thuriya,
Loka-paro and Keru earrings; Gaam-kharu
bracelets and Gal-pata necklaces. Rich with cane and bamboo forests, Assam
has not only the raw material but also the
fine artistic sense of making the cane furniture
which are highly appreciated all over the
world. The Chalani (sieve), kula (winnowing
pan), Khorahi (small baskets), the Japi
(hat) with colorful design and motif made
out of Bamboo strips enjoy enormous domestic
demands. Cachar is famous for Sitalpati
(mats) made out of Patidai or mohtra reeds.
Brass and Bell metal products are famous
for their beauty, strength and utility.
In Hajo of Kamrup district Brass is an important
cottage industry. Sarthebari in the same
district is famous for bell metal crafts.
The artisans prepare Kalah (water pot),
Sarai, Kahi (dish) Bati (bowl), Lota and
Tal (cymbals) out of this material.
Assam also has a body of artists specializing
in pottery. Their products are exquisite
examples of immaculate craftsmanship. Household
articles, toys, dolls and images of worship
are the favorites of the pottery artists
in Assam.
Wood is in abundance in Assam, which has
largely enriched the woodcraft in the State.
Exquisite woodcarvings are seen in the doors,
walls, beams, and ceilings and also in the
temples. The decorative panels in the royal
palace of Ahoms and in the Vaishnavite monasteries
testify to the skillful artistic hands of
the Khanikars. The painted wood work of
Golaghat signifies the folk art of the state.
Kuhila Koth or fiber weaving is a famed
handicraft of Batadrava area of Nagaon district.
Kuhila is woven on a simple loom-like gadget
made of wood and bamboo poles to produce
seats, mats and cushions. This is also an
important craft in Gauripur of Dhubri district.
Pith or Indian cork had been in use for
toy making for centuries in Assam. |