Art And Handicraft in Andaman Islands

The Andaman and Nicobar Islands is the best place for those who love to collect different handicraft items from different places to decorate their interior or to keep them as a treasure. The specialty of the Andaman and Nicobar Islands not only can be seen in their scenic beauty but also could be found in the crafted items made by the local peasants.

Designed materials made of crafted shells comprise the major portion of Andaman and Nicobar Islands art. This art of Andaman and Nicobar Islands have given birth to shell made classic ornaments and other wooden materials which are the main attractions of this place.

The art of the Andaman and Nicobar Islands could be best seen in their crafts made of shells. These shells are used for making beautiful and colorful designing ornaments. A wide range of decorative shells are there in this island. Thus it attracted many people to indulge themselves in this work.

But the huge popularity of the arts and crafts of Andaman and Nicobar Islands resulted in the exploitation of the natural resources as this art brought a new wave in the export business and many people started engaging themselves in this unit.

Small scale handicraft units in different corners of this land have grew up who were actively oriented in making shell and wooden craft items. Due to the fear of a big loss of the natural resources the Government brought restrictions on the export trade of these beautiful items.

This art of shell crafting of Andaman and Nicobar Islands are very fascinating and beautiful.

Islands Handicrafts

Andaman and Nicobar Islands has got recognition as the land of exile for the Indian freedom fighters. Even today, bulk of the islands' population is comprised of the descendants of the prisoners of the Cellular Jail during the British Raj. By hereditary instincts, they are hard working and innovative. They believe in the preservation of their possessions and culture. The islands are resided mostly by primitive natives, but Andaman and Nicobar Islands Handicrafts have developed in the hands of these natives itself. Some of the major Handicrafts of Andaman and Nicobar Islands are:

Shell crafts: The natives of the islands make good use of the resources of the sea – coasts which has boosted up their economy. The administration of the island also provide training for this industry of shell craft in Andaman and Nicobar Islands.

Wooden Handicrafts: Wooden Handicrafts of Andaman and Nicobar Islands has become the most recognized industry of the place. Beside agriculture, majority of the natives are employed in this indigenous industry. Coconut shells are widely used to make finger bowls, table – lamps or jeweleries. Mat making, making of wooden artifacts like crossbows or miniature canoes, and also making of Chowra (earthen pots) are important Handicrafts of Andaman and Nicobar Islands.

Industries: There are various medium-sized industries in Andaman and Nicobar Islands. The main products of these industries are polythene bags, fittings and conduit pipes, Poly Vinyl Chloride, fibre glass, paints, and mini flour mills.

Timber: The climatic conditions of Andaman and Nicobar Islands is best suited for tropical rain forests. The rain forests of Andaman and Nicobar Islands make it rich in timber. In recent years, it has significantly contributed to Andaman and Nicobar Islands Handicrafts.

Though Andaman and Nicobar Islands has developed in the field of industrialization in recent years, but its fragile Eco system has detained Andaman and Nicobar Islands' major industrialization.