Art and Handicrafts of Assam

The richness of the art and handicrafts of Assam beautifully reflects the bountifulness of its culture. The craftsmen here have long perfected the art of creating wonderful objects from very ordinary products. The craftsmen make several handicrafts apart from the famous silk fabric and cane and bamboo products. Different regions of Assam are known for their different forms of art and handicrafts.

Art and Handicrafts Of Assam:

Pottery:
Pottery is an amazing art form practised here from ages. The Kumars and Hiras are the two famous communities of Assam who are perfect in the art of pottery. They make incense holder, clay pots and several other decorative articles.

Bamboo and Cane Articles:
Practised since time immemorial, making products from cane and bamboo is the popular art form in Assam. Bamboo and Cane are grown in abundance here and hence most of the household articles in the homes of Assamese are made of cane and bamboo. Even some of the houses are completely made from these natural products. Cane baskets, music instruments, Jaapi(sunshade) and several other accessories are fashioned out of bamboo and cane.

Metal Crafts:
In Assam two types of metal crafts are available – bell metal and brass metal. They are not only used for making utensils and other household items but also for jewellery. Hajo and Sarthebari villages of Assam have established their names in the world of metal crafts.

Toys:
A wide variety of toys are made in Assam – clay toys, pith toys, wooden toys,bamboo toys, cloth toys and clay and mud toys. The most famous themes picked up for making toys are bride, groom and animals.

Masks:
Masks are an integral part of the art and culture of Assamese. Cultural activities like dance involves the use of masks. The masks are made of wood, terracotta or metal.

Jewellery:
Assam is famous for its gold and silver jewellery. Other metals are also used for making jewellery.

Handlooms:
Silk fabric of Assam has earned immense recognition from all over the world. Several types of silk are available here but Muga silk occupies a prized place in the world of silk in Assam. It is produced in plenty here. Assam is a home to the largest number of weavers in India. Beautiful and durable silk fabrics are available here.
So go on a shopping spree in the bazaars of Assam which are full of these wonderful handicrafts.