Handicraft

Cultural Significance of Handicraft

"As arts and beauty go together, a home without art cannot be the abode of beauty. Without beauty, there cannot be truth and without truth there cannot be peace. A home becomes a house."

The traditional handcrafts of the Zeliangrong people of North East India are not just objects; they are a reflection of their rich culture and heritage. In this article, we will explore these handicrafts, their cultural significance, and the unique skills passed down through generations.

Crafts as an Expression of Culture

Crafts, often referred to as handicrafts, encompass various techniques of skilled handwork used to create tools, weapons, and artifacts. They are not only about creating practical objects but also about crafting beautiful items for decoration. However, it's important to note that certain items like jewelry, stained glass windows, and wood carvings fall outside the scope of traditional handicrafts.

Craftsmanship has always been closely associated with the arts, making craft objects a form of folk art or people's art. Crafts, in essence, are deeply connected to the artistry of daily life. They play a crucial role in meeting the utilitarian needs of rural communities, embodying the essence of simplicity and functionality.

The skills of a craftsman are often passed down through generations, becoming a hereditary practice. By studying these crafts, one can gain insight into the culture of a people. These crafts serve as a canvas for expressing cultural beliefs and traditions, making them a material symbol of a community's unique identity.

Handicrafts: Beauty in Utility

Handicrafts are unique in their ability to merge aesthetics with utility. These creations transcend the boundaries of abstract or aesthetic beauty, offering a practical purpose while being visually appealing. This fusion of beauty and functionality is a testament to the craftsmanship's democratic approach and its connection to the socio-political structure of the community.

One's ingenuity is what sustains a society, and traditional crafts exemplify this uniqueness. The Zeliangrong people, like many other indigenous communities, use arts and crafts to convey meaning, express themselves, and connect with their environment. These crafts are the result of centuries of patient exploration, reflecting the people's experiences and circumstances.

The Role of Bamboo in Zeliangrong Handicrafts

Bamboo is a fundamental material in the handicrafts of the Zeliangrong. It is abundant in the region, making it an integral part of their daily life. The Zeliangrong utilize bamboo for various purposes, from building houses to creating tools and household items.

The Zeliangrong employ specific bamboo species, including Dedrocalmus, Homiltonii, Bambura, Melocana, Bambusa tulada, and Teinostachyum, for different applications. Bamboo is woven into their lives, from constructing homes to fertilizing their fields with bamboo ashes. It provides them with shelter, tools, containers, cooking utensils, and even entertainment in the form of smoking pipes.

Basketry: An Art of Functionality

One of the most prominent forms of Zeliangrong handicrafts is basketry. It involves weaving or fastening strips of materials together to create various objects, including mats, hats, fans, cradles, sandals, and, of course, baskets. Basketry is an ancient craft, closely related to weaving, and has evolved over time to become an essential part of the Zeliangrong way of life.

The Zeliangrong people use baskets for various purposes, such as storing grains and measuring quantities. These baskets are not only functional but also aesthetic, often featuring intricate patterns and designs. Basketry is predominantly a tribal craft, and every man is expected to have the skill to create baskets for domestic use.

The Craftsmanship Process

Crafting a basket involves several steps, from harvesting bamboo to the final product. Bamboo is harvested, split into smaller splints, and soaked in pond water to remove sugary substances. This process makes the bamboo stronger and more pliable. The outer layers and protruding parts are scraped off, and sometimes the bamboo is smoked to deter pests. The weaving process begins with arranging the splints on the floor in a series called the warp, with wefts woven around them.

The result is not only functional but also visually appealing, with intricate patterns and designs. Finished baskets are coated with cow dung and smoked for months to make them water-resistant and durable.

Diverse Uses of Bamboo Crafts

Bamboo and cane crafts extend beyond baskets. They are used for making various household items and tools. These include:

Carry Baskets: These are essential for agricultural work and are used for carrying grains and other produce.

Storage Baskets: Some are designed with covers to store ornaments, clothes, and other valuables.

Water Carriers: Bamboo tubes are used for fetching water, carried on the back in baskets.

Kitchen Utensils: Bamboo is used to craft a variety of kitchen tools, from spoons to cups.

Furniture: Bamboo platforms, stools, and log planks are used for sitting and storage.

Traditional Clothing and Accessories: Cane rings and other bamboo accessories are used in traditional attire.

Wooden Crafts

In addition to bamboo, the Zeliangrong people also produce wooden crafts for various purposes. These include:

Rice Beer Drums: Large wooden drums are used for making, fermenting, and storing rice beer, a staple in their daily life.

Rice Pounding Tables: Hewn from huge tree trunks, these are used for pounding rice to remove the husk.

Eating Plates: Wooden plates were traditionally used but have been replaced by modern alternatives.

Weaving Equipment: Wooden tools like the beating sword and tension rod are crucial for weaving.

Musical Instruments: Drums (Khong), coconut instruments (Rahbung), and mouth-blown instruments (Lim) are crafted from wood.

Preserving Cultural Heritage

As modernization takes hold, traditional household materials are being replaced in Zeliangrong villages. Even in remote areas, old materials are giving way to modern alternatives. It is crucial to collect and preserve these valuable handicrafts before they disappear completely. These crafts are not just objects; they are living expressions of a way of life and a rich cultural heritage.

In conclusion, the traditional handicrafts of the Zeliangrong people are a testament to their creativity, resourcefulness, and deep connection to their environment. These crafts embody both beauty and utility, offering a glimpse into a world where art and daily life are intertwined. Preserving these crafts is not just about safeguarding objects; it's about preserving a unique cultural legacy that continues to inspire and enrich the lives of the Zeliangrong people.

Adapted from Dr Budha Kamei