Botanical resources used in traditional wood carving industry among the Wancho tribe of Arunachal Pradesh

Traditional woodcarving system is quite popular among the Wancho tribe of Arunachal Pradesh. The art and skills of wood carving practiced among the Wancho community is closely associated with their age-old religious beliefs and cultural practices, which are evident through their traditional institutions in the form of Morung (Bachelor dormitory), funeral rites, fertility cult and human head hunting. Unfortunately, the traditional art of wood carving among the Wancho has suffered a set back in recent decades. As a result, local artisans, who solely depend on woodcarving industry for the sustenance of their livelihood, are in dwindling position. However, Government initiative at community level somehow rescuing the degrading art but concerted effort is still needed to make the industry traditionally reliable and economically sustainable. The paper discuss the role of botanical resources used in woodcarving industry of Wancho and attempt has been made to highlight status of botanical species of Wancho locality emphasized on cultural knowledge of wood carving, commercial prospect and role of traditional knowledge in conservation of botanical resources associated with local woodcarving industry. In all, 12 plant species has been reported to be used in local woodcarving industry in Wancho dominated region of Tirap district of Arunachal Pradesh.