The north eastern state Arunachal Pradesh is remarkable for its folk culture. Among the twenty distinguished tribes the Khambas and Membas communities reside in West Siang District. The northern part of this district is dominated by the members of the Khamba and Membas of Arunachal Pradesh.
Profile of the Khambas and Membas
The Khambas and Membas at Arunachal Pradesh are followers of Buddhism and are very religious in nature. They practice all the cultural norms and are extremely devoted towards their communal rules and regulations. The Khambas and Membas in Arunachal Pradesh are two of the twenty tribal communities inhabiting this state, with their own socio-cultural identity.
The Khambas and Membas are tribes who continue to successfully preserve the magnificent art of pottery, which is close to extinction in Arunachal Pradesh. As these tribes are believers of lord Buddha, Their pottery art frequently reflects his image. Other than this they also make many decorated pottery items as a means of their livelihood.
Crafts of Khambas and Membas
Wood crafting and wood carving are other beautiful crafts practiced by these communities. The age old tradition of crafting is still followed by this folk. They produce some excellent wooden materials which have gained wide appreciation across the world. The Khamba and Memba tribes of Arunachal Pradesh regularly made colorful painted wooden masks. Agriculture is a prime profession for Khambas and Membas. Along with other vegetables they largely produce maize and millet and also produce barley and cotton.
Last Updated on 03 January 2011
