Shopping & Handicrafts

Handicrafts & Shopping in Arunachal

Arunachal Pradesh is a treasure trove of traditional handicrafts, reflecting the rich artistic heritage of 26 major tribes and 100+ sub-tribes. The state's artisans create beautiful handmade items using bamboo, wood, wool, and natural dyes, making it the perfect place to buy authentic, one-of-a-kind souvenirs.

Here’s a guide to the best souvenirs to buy in Arunachal Pradesh and where to find them!

1. Handwoven Tribal Textiles & Shawls

 Best Found In: Ziro, Along, Pasighat, Tawang

 Why Buy?
✅ Each tribe has a unique textile design, woven by hand using traditional looms.
✅ Made from cotton, wool, or silk, often dyed with natural colors.
✅ Perfect for shawls, stoles, cushion covers, and wall hangings.

 Top Tribal Weaves to Look For:
 Apatani Handwoven Shawls (Ziro Valley) – Bright geometric designs.
 Monpa Woolen Shawls (Tawang & Bomdila) – Warm & durable.
 Adi Tribe's Skirts & Jackets (Pasighat) – Made from raw cotton & silk.

 Where to Buy?
✅ Handicraft Emporium (Itanagar, Tawang)
✅ Local Tribal Markets in Ziro, Pasighat, & Along

2. Bamboo & Cane Handicrafts

 Best Found In: Pasighat, Roing, Itanagar

 Why Buy?
✅ Bamboo weaving is an integral part of Arunachal’s tribal culture.
✅ Eco-friendly & sustainable, perfect for home décor & souvenirs.
✅ Lightweight & durable, making it easy to carry.

 Best Bamboo Souvenirs to Look For:
 Handwoven Bamboo Baskets & Trays – Perfect for storage & home use.
 Miniature Bamboo Temples & Monastery Models – Beautiful souvenirs from Tawang.
 Bamboo Beer Mugs & Rice Beer Containers – Used in tribal festivals.

 Where to Buy?
✅ Arunachal Pradesh Emporium (Itanagar)
✅ Local Bamboo Craft Shops in Pasighat & Roing

3. Wooden Carvings & Masks

 Best Found In: Tawang, Ziro, Bomdila

 Why Buy?
✅ Monpa & Sherdukpen tribes create exquisite wooden carvings & masks.
✅ Used in Buddhist rituals & tribal dance performances.
✅ Beautiful decorative pieces for walls or souvenirs.

 Best Wooden Crafts to Buy:
 Traditional Monpa Wooden Masks – Worn during Cham (Buddhist dance).
 Hand-Carved Wooden Bowls & Utensils – Unique & functional souvenirs.
 Miniature Tawang Monastery Models – Handmade from wood.

 Where to Buy?
✅ Tawang Monastery Craft Center
✅ Local markets in Bomdila & Ziro

4. Handmade Tribal Jewelry

 Best Found In: Along, Pasighat, Itanagar

 Why Buy?
✅ Tribal women craft unique jewelry using beads, shells, bones, and brass.
✅ Authentic pieces feature bright colors, intricate beadwork, and tribal patterns.
✅ Lightweight and easy to carry as gifts.

 Best Jewelry to Buy:
 Colorful Beaded Necklaces (Nyishi & Apatani tribes).
 Bone & Horn Earrings (Wancho & Nocte tribes).
 Silver & Brass Tribal Jewelry (Monpa & Sherdukpen tribes).

 Where to Buy?
✅ Tribal Handicraft Markets in Itanagar & Ziro.
✅ State Emporiums in Tawang & Along.

5. Thangka Paintings & Buddhist Art

 Best Found In: Tawang, Bomdila, Dirang

 Why Buy?
✅ Traditional Buddhist scroll paintings with intricate details.
✅ Depict Buddhist deities, mandalas & Tibetan myths.
✅ Made using natural pigments & gold detailing.

 Best Buddhist Art to Buy:
 Thangka Paintings from Monasteries.
 Miniature Prayer Wheels & Singing Bowls.
 Buddhist Scripture Scrolls.

 Where to Buy?
✅ Tawang Monastery Craft Shops.
✅ Buddhist Markets in Bomdila & Dirang.

6. Traditional Weapons & War Shields

 Best Found In: Tirap, Longding, Ziro

 Why Buy?
✅ Tribes like Wancho, Nocte & Adi historically made war weapons.
✅ Handmade spears, bows & shields are now sold as souvenirs.
✅ Symbolizes the warrior spirit of Arunachal’s tribal culture.

 Best Tribal Weapons to Look For:
 Hand-Carved Wooden Bows & Arrows.
 Miniature Naga Spears & Dao (traditional machete).
 Bamboo & Cane Shields.

 Where to Buy?
✅ Tribal Handicraft Stalls in Longding & Tirap.

7. Woolen Shawls & Carpets from Tawang

 Best Found In: Tawang, Bomdila, Dirang

 Why Buy?
✅ Handwoven woolen products made by Monpa women.
✅ Thick, warm, and perfect for winter wear or home décor.
✅ Beautiful Tibetan-style motifs & natural dyes.

 Best Woolen Items to Buy:
 Traditional Monpa Woolen Shawls & Stoles.
 Handwoven Carpets with Buddhist Patterns.
 Yak Wool Jackets & Gloves.

 Where to Buy?
✅ Women’s Cooperative Society Shops in Tawang.
✅ Bomdila Craft Center.

8. Apong (Arunachali Rice Beer) & Tribal Food Products

 Best Found In: Ziro, Along, Pasighat

 Why Buy?
✅ Locally brewed rice beer, an essential part of tribal culture.
✅ Handmade organic pickles & dried bamboo shoot products.
✅ Perfect for food lovers who want a taste of Arunachal back home.

 Best Food Products to Buy:
 Apong (Rice Beer) in bamboo bottles.
 Pika Pila (Apatani Bamboo Shoot Pickle).
 Smoked Meat Products & Tribal Spices.

 Where to Buy?
✅ Local Markets in Ziro, Itanagar & Pasighat.

 Why Shop in Arunachal Pradesh?

Arunachal Pradesh is one of the best places to buy authentic tribal handicrafts, made using sustainable, natural materials. Whether you're looking for handwoven textiles, bamboo crafts, tribal jewelry, or Buddhist art, you'll find unique souvenirs that reflect Arunachal’s rich heritage.

 Best for Fashion & Textiles: Apatani Shawls, Monpa Woolen Stoles
 Best for Home Décor & Art: Thangka Paintings, Wooden Masks, Bamboo Baskets
 Best for Jewelry & Accessories: Beaded Necklaces, Silver Ornaments, Bone Jewelry
 Best for Food & Drinks: Apong (Rice Beer), Pika Pila Pickles

Which souvenir interests you the most? Let me know if you need shopping recommendations!