Imphal: The Assam Rifles, in collaboration with the Ministry of Tribal Affairs, organized the first edition of the Tangkhul Arts and Craft Exhibition 2024 (TACE-2024) on Friday at Shangshak village in Ukhrul district of Manipur.
The event aimed to identify, register, and promote tribal artists by showcasing their cultural heritage. This initiative is part of the tribal artists’ empanelment drive conducted by TRIFED (Tribal Co-operative Marketing Development Federation of India), providing a platform for tribal artisans to exhibit their artistic skills.
By ensuring direct coordination with the Ministry of Tribal Affairs, the event guarantees that tribal artisans receive due recognition and fair remuneration for their artifacts without the involvement of middlemen.
The exhibition saw participation from 28 tribal artisans, representatives from the Shangshak village council, and officials from the Ministry of Tribal Affairs. A large crowd, including children, attended to witness the diverse display of tribal arts and crafts.
The showcased items included Haora shawls, Varao Kazei (spears), Khairei (swords), Kuisikhai (knives), Ngalasop (baskets), Mayo Pasi (headgears), beadwork, handbags, black pottery items, embroidery pieces, handmade scarves, and bamboo artifacts. The empanelled artists will continue to receive monetary benefits from the Ministry of Tribal Affairs.
The tribal artisans expressed their heartfelt appreciation to the Assam Rifles for organizing such a meaningful and relevant activity, as noted in a press release from PRO IGAR(S).
