Bamboo/ Cane/ Jute/ Fibre/ Leaf/ Grass

Arunachal Pradesh has 16 major tribes of whom the Adi group is the largest in number, followed by Nishi, Wancho, Monpa, Nocte, Tagin, Apa Tani, and Hill Miri . Every tribe has its own customs and traditions and each uses cane and bamboo to fulfil its everyday needs. The weave and the designs of the articles fashioned from cane and bamboo are distinctive in each region but what is common across the entire northeast is that cane and bamboo is strictly a man's craft. The high level of workmanship has transformed these everyday utility items into works of beauty.

Fertile land produces attractive items made out of dry cane. Locally they are called sarkanda. These cane strips are dried out completely and then twisted to form designs. Very handy and durable items such as stools, tables, mats etc are prepared.

Women of Haryana are strong and dedicated to their work. Dressed in their traditional attire of long skirt they are seen making hand fans out of sarkandas. They paint it with the natural and chemical dyes to give it a fashionable look. Multi colored wool is also used over these fans to give a heavy look.

Mats made with kora / sedge grass are extremely delicate and highly valued. Kora grass is found in abundance along the banks of the rivers and in marshy areas in Tamil Nadu and Kerala.

Sisal fibre products are in high demand because they are tougher than jute and are crafted into eye-catching and colourful bags and mats.These items last long and don?t require any kind of special care.

Cane and bamboo craft in Manipur is an integral part of their daily life. It is a traditional craft and has been practiced from time immemorial. Initially these natural fibres were used to make products of daily use. Every tribe and community makes materials of aesthetic yet functional use, their skills evolved over centuries of usage.

Tynrong is the centre for pineapple craft. The craftsmen collect the fibre from the pineapple leaves and design variety of nets. These nets are mainly used to carry fish. Hand bags, belts, purses, mats are the other items made from the fibre.