Rono Hills, Mar 10: A five-day woodcarving workshop, focusing on the traditional woodcarving practices of Arunachal Pradesh, concluded at Rajiv Gandhi University. Organized by the Department of Fine Arts and Music, the workshop explored the role of woodcarving in Morung, funeral rituals, and festivities of Tirap and Longding districts.
The workshop was led by resource person Manwang Lowang from Tirap district, the first Bachelor of Fine Arts (BFA) graduate in Sculpture from Arunachal Pradesh. A 1978 alumnus of Kala Bhavana, Visva-Bharati University, Santiniketan, Lowang shared insights into the historical and cultural significance of woodcarving traditions in the region.
On the inaugural day, Lowang provided an overview of woodcarving practices in Tirap and Longding, explaining their use in tribal rituals and festivals. He conducted a presentation highlighting his artwork across various mediums, with a focus on wood sculpture.
During the workshop, participants received hands-on training in handling woodcarving tools and understanding different types of wood. The sessions emphasized both technical skills and the cultural relevance of woodcarving in indigenous traditions.
Participants included students specializing in sculpture, alumni, faculty members, and students from other disciplines. The workshop aimed to preserve and promote traditional art forms while equipping students with practical skills in wood sculpture.
By integrating managerial techniques with administrative best practices, the training aims to foster an efficient governance framework for Arunachal Pradesh.