Assam Handicrafts: Gandhiji had once said that Assamese women weave dreams on their looms when he saw the silk village in Suwakulchi. Apart from being great weavers, Assamese people also have expertise in basketry, mat making, bamboo crafts, and other handicrafts.
The women here work over suitable hours picking the tea leaves from the tea bushes. The Assamese silk community weaves out some of the finest handmade textiles worldwide. ‘Gamusas’ or traditional towels are another exquisite look product every bride should process before marriage.
The richness of art and craft in Assam beautifully reflects the state’s bountiful culture. To know more about the various handicrafts of Assam, keep reading below.
01. Silk Fabrics Of Assam
Assam silk fabrics have earned recognition worldwide for their grandeur and beauty. There are various forms of silks like Muga, Pat, and Eri. The majority of Assamese households have silk-weaving looms in their households.
People of Assam proudly proclaim that Assamese Muga is one of the best silk qualities in the world. In Assam, the Muga silk Mekhela chador is a prized possession for every Assamese woman. The motifs weaved on the chadors or sarees depict the various life forms of the Assamese tribal community.
You can find Assamese Silk at any fabric or clothing store in Assam. The silk sarees are available nationwide and are known to be pricy.
02. Water Hyacinth Handicrafts Of Assam
Water Hyacinth is a free-floating aquatic plant found across the states of Assam and West Bengal. It is known to create havoc in the water bodies.
People of Assam utilize the stem of the water hyacinth to make gorgeous handicrafts like purses, footwear, handbags, lampshades, etc. The best water hyacinth is found in retail outlets in Guwahati.
03. Bamboo And Cane Handicrafts Of Assam
Assam is famous all over the world for bamboo and cane handicrafts. Bamboo is abundant in the region—the indigenous people of Assam have expertise in bamboo craft making. The state is a major exporter of these crafts. They are bought as souvenirs by visitors who come to Assam.
They have a whole range of items, including baskets, musical instruments, chairs, weaving accessories, etc. A traditional sunshade of Assam known as Jappi is famous across the state. Bamboo and cane handicrafts are also found everywhere across the state.
04. Mask Making Art Of Majuli Island
Mask making is another worldwide acclimated handicraft of Assam. For ages, it has been practiced in Majuli by ‘Satras’ and ‘Bhakats.’ Masks are an integral part of Sattriya culture. They provide a physical form to mythological characters from the Purans. Bamboo and Paper are used for making masks. You would find masks in the Darrang district shops.
05. Bell Metal Handcraft Of Assam
The bell metal is used to make items used in every household. Bell metal products are exported to the international market. Utensils, musical instruments, and monastery gongs are a few things made out of bell metal. The metal is considered aesthetic and sacred by the people of Assam.
During religious ceremonies, eating dishes made of bell metal is considered sacred. You will find bell metal handicrafts in Sarthebari in Assam.
06. Paintings
Assamese painting refers to the traditional paintings and art forms that originated in the Indian state of Assam. The state has a rich artistic heritage and is famous for its unique styles of painting that have evolved over the centuries.
One of the most famous forms of Assamese painting is the ‘pattachitra,’ which is a form of scroll painting that is created on a piece of cloth. The pattachitra paintings typically depict scenes from Hindu mythology and are known for their intricate details and vibrant colors.
Another popular style of Assamese painting is the ‘kalamkari,’ which is a form of block-printed textile art. The kalamkari paintings often feature intricate patterns and motifs, and are commonly used to create clothing and home furnishings.
The ‘japi’ is another traditional Assamese art form that involves creating colorful bamboo hats decorated with intricate designs and motifs. These hats are an important part of the state’s culture and are often used in traditional dances and ceremonies.
Overall, Assamese painting is a vibrant and diverse art form that reflects the state’s rich cultural heritage and artistic traditions.
Assamese painting is famous worldwide for its versatile nature and bright colors. The paintings mostly depict various folklore, myths, religious customs, and ceremonies associated with the state or the country at large. Assam is home to a lot of veteran painters.
07. Pottery
Assam pottery refers to the traditional pottery and ceramics created in the Indian state of Assam. The state has a long history of pottery-making, with evidence of pottery dating back to the ancient Harappan civilization.
Assam pottery is known for its unique shapes and designs, often inspired by nature and the environment. One of the most popular types of Assam pottery is the ‘kadam’ pottery, made using a special clay found in the Brahmaputra river basin. Kadam pottery is known for its distinctive black color and is often used to create decorative items such as vases, bowls, and plates.
Another popular type of Assam pottery is the ‘manohari’ pottery, made using red clay and known for its intricate designs and patterns. Manohari pottery is often used to create tea sets and other kitchenware.
Assam pottery is also famous for its use in traditional Assamese rituals and ceremonies. For example, the ‘bhelaghar’ is a traditional Assamese clay lamp used during festivals and religious ceremonies. The lamp is made using a special type of clay found in the state’s Sualkuchi region.
Assam pottery is an essential part of the state’s cultural heritage and artistic traditions. It reflects the Assamese people’s creativity, ingenuity, and connection to the natural environment.
08. Jewelry
Assamese Craftsmen are known to create beautiful jewelry from gold, silver, bamboo, or even cane. It’s a traditional art passed on from one generation to the other. Washing Gold and making jewelry are two ancient and essential industries of Assam, as gold dust was found in plenty of river sands.
You will find men and women both wearing jewelry. However, their designs are not the same. Other metals used are copper, brass, bronze, amber, and ivory.
09. Terracotta Handicrafts
The terracotta handicrafts are another exquisite produce of the state. Terracotta figurines of various goddesses, mythological characters, and toys are popular all over the state.
Assam is a hub of beautiful handicrafts apart from being enthralling in natural beauty and tourist attractions. Assam is one of the most colorful and vibrant states in India.
Domestic weaving is crucial for Assamese women since their marriage and future depend on this skill. An essential part of the tradition is for an unmarried girl to present a handmade Bihuan to her to be beloved. Weaving is a significant part of an Assamese cultural value.
Another important fact about Assam – For more than 100 years, Assam has been a major tea export and produces around 25 percent of the world’s requirements.
You must visit Assam for a vacation and lay your hands on these beautiful handicrafts.
10. Decorative Candles
The Traditional art of candle making started a few years ago, and more than 200 artisans have adopted this art and livelihood of making decorative and scented candles in Assam. It is a small-scale industry that specializes in handmade candles. Candles for Diwali, Christmas, and other Indian festivals can be sourced here.
Assam is known for its rich cultural heritage and artistic traditions, and one of the unique handicrafts of the state is decorative candles. These candles are made using various materials and techniques and are often used for religious ceremonies, home decoration, and gifting.
One of the most popular types of decorative candles in Assam is the ‘diya’ or earthen lamp. These lamps are made using clay and are often decorated with intricate designs and patterns. They are used during festivals and religious ceremonies such as Diwali, Bihu, and Durga Puja.
Another popular type of decorative candle in Assam is the ‘gamocha’ candle. The gamocha is a traditional Assamese scarf used for various purposes, including as a towel, handkerchief, or headscarf. The gamocha candles are made by rolling a gamocha fabric around a wax candle, creating a unique and decorative design.
Assam is also known for its bamboo crafts, and bamboo candles are another popular form of decorative candles in the state. These candles are made using bamboo stems, cut into small pieces, and filled with wax. The bamboo candles are often decorated with colorful threads, beads, and other materials, making them a beautiful and unique decorative item.
Overall, the decorative candles of Assam reflect the state’s rich cultural heritage and artistic traditions. They are a beautiful and unique handicrafts appreciated by people across the country and worldwide.
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