Arunachal Pradesh carving is mainly done on the locally found wood. The forests of Arunachal Pradesh supply the wood that are used by the craftsmen of the region to carve exquisite objects in wood, that have always enjoyed great popularity among the connoisseurs of art. Arts and crafts of Arunachal Pradesh boasts of these works of wood that are produced in the Southeastern region of the state.
Tribes Associated with Wood Carving in Arunachal Pradesh
The neighboring districts of Tirap, Tawang, Siang and Lohit are the main centers of wood carving in Arunachal Pradesh. The tribes who are involved in Arunachal Pradesh carving are the Wanchos, Khamptis and the Monpas. There are very few craftsmen left in these tribes who practice the traditional art of wood carving at Arunachal Pradesh.
Common Themes of Arunachal Pradesh Carving
Arunachal Pradesh carving plays an important part in the cultural and religious lives of the tribal population of the state. It is often conjectured that the ancient practice of head hunting played an important role in the development of wood carving in Arunachal Pradesh. The minute detailing of the head are still found in many wooden carved objects in the region. The free standing statuettes of exquisite beauty also had deep religious significance. The objects of Arunachal Pradesh carving were used to decorate the boys dormitories. However, recently there have been some modernizations in the traditional motifs of wood carving in Arunachal Pradesh.
Wood carving of Arunachal Pradesh threatens to become a dying art because of increasing economic pressure and widespread exploitation of the craftsmen at grassroots level. The government has therefore taken necessary steps to stem the flow of exploitation and ensure that this exquisite art lives on.
Last Updated on 03 January 2011
