Pottery
from Rajasthan
Water Hyacinth
from Assam
The northeastern state of Assam is a melting pot of different tribes with their rich heritage of art and culture. Assam has a diverse culture, with many ethnic groups, languages, and religions represented. From its lush forests, tea plantations, and wildlife sanctuaries to The Brahmaputra River, the state’s rich cultural heritage can be visible in the intricate arts and crafts of Assam. In this blog let us take a look at the different rich handicrafts of Assam.
Various Arts and Crafts of Assam
Assam, a state located in the northeastern region of India, has a rich cultural heritage that is reflected in its traditional handicrafts and handloom products. In ancient Sanskrit literatures, this land has been called Kamrupa and Pragjyotisha. From the Ramayana, to Mahabharata and Puranas Assam finds its mention as the glorious Kamrupa Kingdom. Guwahati, the biggest city in the state, is home to the revered Kamakhya Temple.
Assam, the jewel of the North East is also known for its skilled artisans who create intricate designs using natural materials like bamboo, cane, silk, and cotton. Today handlooms of Assam and the textile of Assam have gained popularity worldwide.
The Textile of Assam
Assam has a rich tradition of textiles, with various indigenous communities weaving their own unique fabrics for centuries. Let us explore some of the best textiles of Assam and the different handlooms of Assam.
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Muga Silk is a particular kind of silk that is only made in Assam. The silk is renowned for its tenacity and glowing golden sheen. It is made from Antheraea assamensis, a silkworm that is native to Assam. These silkworms feed on the leaves of the Som and Soalu plants. Sarees, stoles, shawls, and other apparel are among the many items made from Muga silk.
- Eri Silk locally called Endi or Errandi is another famous silk variety from this state. Eri silk is produced by the silkworm ‘Philosamia ricini’, which feeds on castor leaves. Eri silk is known for its soft texture and natural colours, ranging from white to light brown. These silk fabrics are used to make a variety of products like shawls, sarees, stoles, and dress materials.
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Pat Silk is an off-white coloured unique silk that is produced by the ‘Bombyx textor’ silkworms. This silk is revered for its brightness and durability.
Handlooms of Assam
Handloom weaving is an age-old tradition in Assam, and the state is famous for producing some of the finest and most exquisite handloom fabrics in India. The industry of handlooms of Assam is predominantly rural-based, and the weavers are mostly women. The state has a rich tradition of weaving using a variety of handloom products like Mekhela Chador, their traditional attire for women along with the very famous ‘Gamusa’ or ‘Gamocha’ – the traditional Assamese towel.
Today these famous handlooms of Assam are being produced for different purposes. Assamese home furnishings made from different textiles of Assam are increasingly getting popular among Indians. These products are made using locally produced cotton and silk yarns.
Bamboo and Cane Products
Assam has a rich reserve of bamboo and cane in its fertile land on the banks of The Brahmaputra River. Bamboo and cane products are an integral part of Assam's handicraft industry. Skilled artisans create a range of products like baskets, mats, furniture, and even musical instruments using bamboo and cane.
Japi, or the traditional wide-brimmed bamboo hat is one of the most popular handicrafts of Assam. Skilled artisans take strips of bamboo and dried palm leaves to create a Japi, which traditionally were used by the farmers to protect themselves from the sun. Today they are used in most Assamese homes as a part of home décor. Miniature versions of Japi are often picked by tourists as a souvenir.
- Baskets: Assam is known for its beautiful and sturdy baskets made of bamboo and cane. These baskets come in different sizes and shapes and are used for storing and carrying various items.
- Mats: Intricately crafted mats from bamboo and cane are frequently used for yoga, sleeping, and other activities. These mats offer a healthy and cosy surface and are environmentally sustainable.
- Furniture: Furniture built from bamboo and cane is one of Assam's distinctive handicrafts. Furniture pieces including chairs, tables, and stools are made from these environmentally friendly materials. These items are lightweight, strong, and beautiful in their natural state. They are adaptable to both indoor and outdoor environments.
- Musical instruments: Many of the traditional musical instruments from Assam are made of cane and bamboo. The dhul, a sort of drum, and the pepa, a wind instrument, are the two most well-known of these instruments.
To advance the bamboo and cane industries in the state, the Assam government has launched a number of programmes. These programmes include the establishment of development centres for bamboo and cane, the provision of financial aid to artisans, and the organisation of exhibitions and fairs to display the goods made from Assamese bamboo and cane.
Pottery
A long history of pottery-making marks the rich culture of Assam. Earthenware, ceramic lamps, and decorative pieces are just a few of the products the craftsmen make using local clay.
Pottery
from Rajasthan
Bell Metalwork:
Bell metalwork is a significant component of Assam's cultural history, and the craft has been passed down from parent to child. This distinctive Assamese craft is well-known for its elaborate patterns and designs, which are frequently influenced by local culture and the natural world. These designs are made by craftsmen using various instruments, such as chisels, hammers, and moulds.
Bell metal, a form of bronze made from an alloy of copper and tin, has been employed for millennia in the area to make decorative and practical items. "Kansaris" or "bell metal workers" are the term used to describe the artisans who produce bell metal goods. They create their products using conventional methods like sand casting and lost wax casting.
Assamese Bell Metal works consist of a wide range of objects such as utensils, religious icons, and decorative items.
Water Hyacinth Products
Water hyacinth is a floating aquatic plant that thrives in the water bodies of Assam is being used in handicraft industry now. The Assamese people have recently begun using this plant to make a range of handicrafts and home furnishings. Products made from water hyacinth are robust, aesthetically pleasing, and environmentally friendly. The market for sustainable and eco-friendly apparel has seen a rise in demand for this distinctive Assamese craftsmanship.
Some popular water hyacinth products include:
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Ladies Bags: Water hyacinth bags are lightweight, and sturdy. They can be made into different sizes and shapes. These eco-friendly water hyacinth bags are great for anyone looking for sustainable fashion.
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Mats: Mats made of water hyacinth are used for sitting and sleeping. These mats are natural, breathable, and provide a comfortable surface.
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Home decor items: Water hyacinth is also used to create a range of home decor items, such as lampshades, wall hangings and runners and decorative items.
In conclusion, the arts and crafts of Assam are a reflection of the state's rich cultural heritage. The products are not only aesthetically pleasing but also have practical uses in everyday life. Handicrafts of Assam by skilled artisans have kept these traditions alive for centuries, and their work is highly valued both in India and abroad. With the rising popularity of handlooms of Assam and textile in Assam today you can find people bringing in several home furnishings and home décor items made by these skilled artisans.
Water Hyacinth
from Assam
Frequently Asked Questions – FAQs on Handicrafts of Assam
What is the famous handicraft of Assam?
The famous handicraft of Assam is their bamboo and cane furniture and home décor items. The local artisans use strips of bamboo and dried palm leaves to create intricate furniture that is lightweight, durable and can be used in both indoor and outdoor settings.
What is the famous handloom of Assam?
The most famous handlooms of Assam include their different varieties of silk, like Muga Silk, Eri Silk and Pat Silk. Their Rabha weaving of cotton is also popular. Mekhla Chador, Gamucha are some of the popular products of textiles of Assam.
What do Assamese women wear for Bihu?
Assamese women wear Mekhla Chador, a two-piece attire for Bihu, their spring-time harvest festival. The Mekhla Chador is usually made using Muga silk and Pat Silk.
What is the Assamese traditional dress for men?
The traditional attire for men of Assam include, a kurta, and dhoti with the very famous red and white Gamosa. These are worn during Bihu and their wedding.
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