North East India is famous for its scenic beauty, but did you know Assam is also famous for its authentic handicraft items, giving out an ethnic vibe. Widely recognized for its authentic cuisine, and its exquisite quality of silk, cane and bamboo handicrafts.
Come visit baazkart today to explore from a wide range of authentically handcrafted products. You will be mind blown once you get to see the kind of collections baazkart has to offer, ranging from silk items to handcrafted masks.
1. Silk
1.1. Muga Silk
Muga is golden yellow in appearance, extracted from the semi- domesticated silkworm: Antheraea assama, indigenous to this region. Traditional attires like mekhala-chaddars and saris, are manufactured from the famous Muga silk. The women of Assam weave fairy tales on their handlooms.
Derived from a rich golden color, muga is the finest of India’s silk products. Muga silk is produced only in Assam. The largest Muga silk-producing center in Assam is Sualkuchi. Silk garments manufactured in this area are internationally acclaimed for their beauty and ingenuity; therefore form a major export item for Assam.
1.2.Paat Silk
Paat silk is a variation of the Muga silk, which is extracted from silkworms, raised on them leaves of Mulberry plants. It is usually white or off-white in color, where its cloth can even dry in a shadow. Pat Silk is very durable, although from the outside it might seem very delicate and lightweight. Garments made out of Pat Silk should be dry cleaned and checked regularly for damages.
The texture of this silk is highly refined and in great demand amongst international consumers. The bright silver color of paat silk fabric redefines the meaning of Assam’s traditional attire.
1.3.Eri Silk
The warm Eri silk is created by the silkworm Philosamia ricini, which feeds on the castor oil plant. Famously known as the Endi silk or the non-violent silk, because manufacturing of Eri allows the pupae to develop into adults, using only the open-ended cocoons for turning them into silk. It is primarily used to make shawls and quilts. A unique feature of them products made from Eri silk is that they are initially a little granular, but with the passage of time the fabric becomes soft and smooth. Eri silk comes in a variety of colors, like cream, gold, brown and beige. Its acceptable quality and thermal nature make it ideal for use in both summers and winters.
2. Assamese Masks
Assamese Masks, also known as mukhas, formulate the very foundation of Assamese cultural tradition. They are worn mostly during theaters, which are centered around them Assamese tribal folklores. Since ages, these masks have been the center of all cultural events in the state.
Traditional Assamese masks are manufactured from a plethora of elements, ranging from terracotta and wood to pith, bamboo, and metals. These Masks usually represent the local gods and goddesses, characters of ancient epics or even historical figures.
Depending on the size, these mukhas are segregated into three types – Cho mask, Lotokoi mask Mukh mask. The mask-making industry is a principal means of livelihood for the indigenous population of Assam. These craftsmen do not belong to any specific sex, caste or creed, rather these artisans remain distributed throughout Assam. The skill of making these masks is passed down from one generation to the next.
Buy these authentic handicrafts from the state of Assam, and step up your accessory game this 2017. Along with some authentically handcrafted silk items. This is your golden opportunity to avail from a range of amazing discount vouchers, while you can win yourself an mind blowing cash back offers.
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