Meghalaya Arts and Crafts

Meghalaya Arts and Crafts

Eri Silk in Umden, Meghalaya
Eri Silk in Umden, Meghalaya

The state of Meghalaya is well known for various crafts. Handicrafts made with cane and bamboo products, textile weaving, carpet weaving, ornament making and woodcarving also hold important place in Meghalaya’s art and crafts. In fact, weaving forms an integral part in the culture of the state and its tribes. Markets like Police bazar, Bara bazar and Laitumkhrah in the capital city are a few places where you can buy the innumerable handicraft items that Meghalaya produces.

Different categories of Meghalaya handicraft

  • Weaving
  • Woodcarving
  • Bamboo work
  • Cane Mat
  • Stools
  • Baskets
  • Open weave carrying baskets
  • Closed weave carrying baskets
  • Bamboo-fishing traps
  • Storage baskets
  • Cane containers
  • Trays & Fans
  • and much more.

Meghalaya is home to many wonderful handicrafts. Weaving, be it on cloth or cane, has been an art for long in the state. There are some amazing handicrafts weaved by the various tribes of Meghalaya. Another prominent work here includes woodcarving and bamboo work because the raw material for these products is found in abundance in the state. The state produces some amazing cane mats, winnowing fans, caps, umbrellas, stools and baskets.

The ‘Khasi’ tribe is a famous tribe of Meghalaya. The people of this tribe weave mats, baskets and chairs out of cane. The ‘Jaintia’ is another tribe of Meghalaya that is involved in making beautiful fishing traps out of bamboo.

The Khasi tribes also make domestic knives, utensils etc. The ‘Garo’ tribe weaves materials that are used for making dresses. In addition, the weave bed covers, table covers and so on. A special kind of cane mat called ‘Tlieng’ is popular in Meghalaya for its durability. Baskets known as ‘Meghum Khoks’ are also created and used for storing different items.

The ‘Khasi’ tribe is famous for weaving cane mat, stools & baskets. The ‘Jaintia’ tribe makes fishing traps out of bamboo sticks, which are also famous for its beauty. The Khasi tribes also make domestic knives, utensils and even guns with extracted iron ore. The ‘Garo’ tribe weaves ‘Dakmanda’, a material used for their dresses along with shirts, bed covers, bedsheets and tablecloths. A special kind of cane mat called ‘Tlieng’ is popular for its durability. Baskets known as ‘Meghum Khoks’ are also created and used for storing different items.

Other arts like silk weaving, carpet weaving and manufacturing of ornaments and musical instruments are also included in the handicrafts of Meghalaya.


Discover North East India Handicrafts

Art Craft and Handicraft Tours in Northeast India
Handicrafts of Northeast : This immersive 14-days example itinerary is specifically designed to live a hands-on experience and have a great overview of Art & Crafts of 3 states : Assam, Meghalaya and Nagaland

Feel free to contact us if you are specific about which Arts & Crafts you would like to discover or would like to know more about them. Kriya, our professional material designer, will be eager to create a unique itinerary for you.

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