Shopping in Nagaland

Art and craft is an integral part of a culture. Nagas comprising the major population of Nagaland have their unique art and craft that distinguish them as one of the skilled artisans of North East India. The diversity of the Indian peninsular and its unity in its works of art often is an enigma for an outsider. While making a trip to this Himalayan State that is embedded with the best of waterfalls, splendid valleys and ethnic tribes, one is keen to carry back memorable photographs, interesting art and artifacts as an memorabilia as well as a souvenir. Thus Shopping in Nagaland is essentially an important part of every tourists itinerary.

Traveling to Nagaland, you will come across exquisite pieces of handicrafts specially made of cane and bamboo. The Naga tribes who concentrate on terrace farming for their livelihood spend their leisure time by making artistic baskets and other wood works. The forests of Nagaland are covered with thick bamboo and cane trees that provide the raw material for the pieces of artifacts prepared by the tribals. These wonderful pieces of art speak of the artistic acumen of the Nagas.

Strips of bamboo and cane are used to weave beautiful baskets of different shapes and sizes. ‘Japa’, basket with a lid and hexagonal in form is used all over the state for traveling. Baskets are used for storage as well as traveling. The Angami tribals are skilled in weaving varieties of products of cane and bamboo. Handy and intricately woven baskets are used to carry rice and store wine bottles. The Angami baskets are cylindrical in shape while Aos weave conical baskets. The ‘akhi’ and ‘akha’ conical baskets are common and most of the household posses several flat-bottomed baskets spun in twill pattern that are used to strain rice beer.

Nagas are also skilled in weaving shawls and jackets. Metal works, pottery and wood carved items are also examples of Naga artistry. Artistic designs, color and beads are used to decorate the artifacts; natural dyes and shells are also used to embellish works of art. These exquisite items turn out to be ideal items of shopping in Nagaland.

This beautiful land of abundant natural beauty has immense tourist attraction. The ethnic tribes, their habitat, arts and handicrafts and the locales attract many. Log on to northeastindia.com to know about Shopping in Nagaland.