Arunachal Pradesh smithy work is practiced by almost all the tribes spread across Arunachal Pradesh. They serve various purposes from utility to decorative, however like most tribal arts, the smithy work in Arunachal Pradesh successfully blends the two. The objects produced by Arunachal Pradesh smithy work are of use in various aspects of tribal lives. Moreover, they are great artifacts in their own rights and enjoy great global popularity. Iron and brass are the most common metals forged in the smithy work of Arunachal Pradesh.
Domestic Arunachal Pradesh Smithy Work
Arunachal Pradesh smithy work features many objects made for domestic use. They include utensils and ornaments. The dishes, pots and other utensils used in the everyday lives of the tribal community are usually made of brass. They are of exquisite beauty because of their proportion and decorative value. The ornaments made by the metalworkers of Arunachal Pradesh are also of great demand not only among the members of the various tribes of the state, but also among the visitors to Arunachal Pradesh. Usually the casting technique is used in Arunachal Pradesh smithy work. The Adis and the Nishings are the tribes who excel in the art of smithy work at Arunachal Pradesh. Sometimes ritualistic objects like sacred bells also feature in Arunachal Pradesh smithy work.
Weaponry in Arunachal Pradesh
Arunachal Pradesh smithy work has a very important role to play in the tribal lives of the state because of the various arms and weapons that are made out of iron by the craftsmen of the state. The usual weapons used by the tribes are bows and arrows, spears and other javelins. The arrows are sometimes tipped with sharp points to facilitate hunting.
Last Updated on 03 January 2011
