Ornaments

Ornament making is another craft widely pactised in Arunachal Pradesh . Besides beads of various colours and sizes blue feathered wings of birds and green wings of beetles are also used in decoration. The Akas make bamboo bangles and ear ornament which are sometimes decorated with pocker work designs. Most of the ornaments are made of beads as the tribes are very fond of it. While some people just hang strings of beads round their neck, others such as the Noctes and Wanchos weave them into very attractive patterns. The Wancho girls particularly are very expert in bead work.


The designs and colour combination are superb. One Wancho girl received President’s award for master craftswoman in 1985 for excellent bead work. Besides beads work the Wanchos make ear ornaments from glass beads, wild seeds, cane, bamboo and reed. Various ornaments of coloured glass beads hold a special fascination for the people of Arunachal Pradesh.

Silver ornaments are a speciality of the Mishmis. The Idu Mishmi women wear silver fillet necklaces with lockets and beautiful earring. The Sherdukpens and the Khamtis at one time were also renowned for silver work. The Apatani women wear nose plugs made of cane which are an exception with the other people of the territory