Assam Arts and Crafts

The dexterity of the people of Assam in craftsmanship had always been seen. The arts and craft of Assam were known through the works of cane and bamboo, silk fabrics, colourful Assamese Japi(headgear), terracottas, pottery, metal work and toys.

¤ Cane and Bamboo

Among the work of this craftsmanship is the work of Japi(headgear) most popular. All of the items ranging from the ordinary household goods to the construction of houses are made out of this. Cane and furniture had found a way to the domestic market as well as the export market.


¤ Handloom

One of the finest silk made in India is made in Assam and there are a wide range of silk cloth available. Among the silk, the Muga is the most elegant which are of naturally rich golden colour. The skill to weave was used to be one of the eligibility of a young girl for a marriage. So it might be the reason why Assam has the highest concentration of handlooms and weavers in India.


¤ Teracottas

The practice of making terracottas has been flourishing throughout the ages and this craftsmanship has been a result of learning by the younger generation from the older ones. Some of the common figures start from the figures of Gods to mythological characters.


¤ Pottery

The two potter communities namely the Kumars and the Hiras are the surviving ones found in Assam. The Kumars use the wheel to produce their pots but the Hiras do not use the wheel and they are the only one in the world to make pots without a wheel. Some of the products are earthen pot and pitchers, plates, incense stick holders and earthen lamps.


¤ Metal Work

The workmanship of this craft can be found in the traditional utensils and fancy articles. Fancy articles like Xorai and Bota used for offering betel-nut and paan have been popular and used till now. Hajo and Sarthebari, two townships near Guwahati has the whole population working in metal. The most used metals are the Bell-metal and brass.


¤ Toys

Clay toys, pith, wooden and bamboo toys, cloth toys, cloth-and-mud toys are the classification of the types of toys produced in Assam. Taking all the figures of toys in account, the toys in human figures like dolls and brides and grooms are the most common ones but a variety of animal forms also exist in this craftsmanship. The clay toys are in the form of gods, goddesses and other mythological figures. Clays of Pith or Indian cork made in the Goalpara region have been popular for centuries.