Art and Handicrafts Meghalaya

Meghalaya is an abode of wonderful handicrafts. The state is endowed with a rich tradition of art and handicrafts. The people of Meghalaya have long perfected the art of weaving, be it cane or cloth. The markets of the state can be browsed for such amazing handicrafts. The most prominent art here is woodcarving and cane and bamboo work as the state produces abundant wood material. The craftsmen weave amazing cane mats, winnowing fans,caps, umbrellas, stools and baskets. The special kind of cane mat weaved by the Khasis is known as 'Tlieng' which is highly durable. They are also known for making domestic knives, utensils and even guns. The Garo weave the material used for their dresses called 'Dakmanda'. They also weave shirts, bed covers, bedsheets and tablecloths.

The Garo people manufacture beautiful baskets known as 'Meghum Khoks' which are used by them to store different items. Another speciality of the Garo people is expertise in Pokerwork in which designs are burnt into the bamboo with a red-hot pointed rod. Jaintia tribe of Meghalaya are skilled in making bamboo fishing traps which function very well. Maghalaya is also known for other arts such as silk weaving, carpet weaving and manufacturing of ornaments and musical instruments. The best bazaars to buy the Meghalaya handicrafts are in Shillong. Police bazar, Bara bazar and Laitumkhrah are a few to name. Meghalaya Handicrafts, Khadi Gramodyog and Purbashree offers fantastic handicrafts. The handicrafts of Meghalaya are not only appealing but are also high on durability quotient. Take back home some of these handicrafts and you will know it for yourself.

Some of the famous handicrafts of Meghalaya are:

• Baskets
• Open Weave Carrying Basket
• Closed Weave Carrying Basket
• Small Storage Baskets
• Coiled Cane Containers
• Large Storage Basket
• Rain Shield and Headgears
• Winnowing Trays & Fans
• Mud Shovel
• Shield made of bamboo plints
• Khasi Bamboo Comb
• Khasi Bamboo Pipes