Wood Carving of Arunachal

Wood carving is a tradition with some of the tribes of Arunachal Pradesh. The Monpas, Khamtis, and Wanchos occupy significant place in this art. The Monpa wood carver makes beautiful cups, dishes; fruit bowls and carve magnificent masks for ceremonial dances and pantomimes.

Arunachal Pradesh has an abundance of forests which are rich in wood, cane and bamboo. Wood and bamboo houses of this region are famous and each house is made by the collective efforts of the entire community. Wood carving among the Wancho tribe, was very closely associated with head hunting and the human head is the dominant pattern in such designs as the tobacco pipes with the bowl carved in the shape of a head, drinking mugs with warriors heads carved with remarkable realism and power are a common sight.

Wood-carving is also ceremonially significant among some of the other tribes of the area which include the Monpas who make wooden images and figures of Lord Buddha, the craftsmen from Kampti who make beautiful religious images and figures of dancers and the famous masks from Kamen which are used in ceremonial dances.

The Khambas and Membas of West Siang also carve wooden masks. The Khamptis make beautiful religious images figures of dancers, toys and other objects. Very beautiful woodcarvings are made by the Wanchos of Tirap.

The unique, and artistic indigenous wood carving articles are available of Tirap, Upper & West Siang, Lohit and Tawang. Traditional Male and Female Wooden figure are depicted as main subject, warriors / head hunters are popular in Tirap District Wood Carving.

Arts & Crafts