Exhibition of traditional crafts of NE

SHILLONG, February 28: Rituals and traditional crafts of Northeast India urged highlighted in a three-day exhibition which concluded here on Wednesday at the State Central Library complex. The exhibition, organised by the Anthropological Survey of India, as part of the celebration of 50 years of India's Republic Day, focussed on the socio-cultural traditions of the numerous tribal and ethnic groups dotting the region. On show were fine pottery work developed in the region, without the usual pottery wheel. The exhibits included a tea pot, a recepticle, varieties of pots - all made of clay. The exhibits also show-cased the high standard achieved in cane and bamboo-work by the craftsmen in the region. Among these are 'bamboo flask' used by 'Monpas' of Arunachal Pradesh, a fish container crafted by tribals of Meghalaya, a bamboo ornament case of 'Tiwa' tribe of Assam and a wooden tiffin-carrier. The jewellery used by various tribes, like "ear plugs" of Arunachalis, ivory armlets from Manipur, grass necklace made by the "Wanchos" of Arunachal Pradesh, etc., drew the attention of the visitors. The exhibition was inaugurated on Monday afternoon by the Northeastern Hill University Vice Chancellor, Mrinal Miri.