Tribal Wood Carving of Northeastern States

The Monpas, Khamtis, Wanchos, Phom and the Konyak tribes are known for their wood carving skills. This art is primarily used for decorating the ‘morungs’, the youth dormitory, and for creating idols during the funeral of a warrior or persons of repute.

Woodcarving is mostly used for creating sculptures depicting a human figure. These idols often seem realistic due to the detailed carvings. The idols usually portray the warriors, wearing a special belt made of seashells and other adornment pieces. Special stress is given on the facial features and the head. The details even show the haircut and the tattoo marks on the body. These idols are often clothed with the tribal costumes and decorated with traditional ornaments.

The wood carvers belonging to the Wancho tribe show a great sense of proportion in their art. The Monpa artists make cups, dishes, fruit bowls and beautiful masks used for ceremonial dances and rituals. Artists from the Sherdukpen, Khampa and Monpa tribes are known for their realistic masks. The Khampti carvers are known for their extraordinary idols used for religious purpose. Other prominent pieces of tribal woodwork are idols of birds, animals, apes, men with twisted mouths and other similar tribal figures.