Like the rest of other Naga tribesmen, people from Ao tribe are also gifted with artistic calibre and creative imagination in creating/making handicrafts mainly from locally available resources like woods, bamboos, animal horn or bone and hairs, clay and metals. Since forefathers time, they have rich skills in arts and crafts specially Weaving, Cane and Bamboo Works, Wood Carvings, pottery, , Traditional Ornaments making and metal works
Weaving
Weaving is profession which is primarily done by female folks since time immemorial. The women weavers design and weaves beautiful and exquisite patterns in their shawls, sling bags, headgears and and wraparound garments (commonly called mekhala ) which reflects the rich artistic skills and creative imagination of the local craftsmen who have inherited the art from their forefathers
Cane and Bamboo products
Cane and Bamboo are found in abundance in the district, as the result since forefather’s time, mainly men folks have acquired the fine art of creating beautiful, useful and functional household items by splitting the bamboo or cane and
using the outer layer to make:
Mats – various types of mats are made by bamboo and canes for different purposes like mats for drying grains, floor coverings, sleeping mats, window and door screens and strong bamboo mats are mainly use as wall and partitions in the typical bamboo houses.
Basketry- Various types of baskets are made using bamboo and canes which is mainly used for keeping for vegetables, clothes, grains and also serve as decorative items.
Mugs and plates –Bamboo was to main raw material to make mugs and plates and water containers during olden times. Now a days, one will fine more improvised bamboo mugs, plates and bowls with intricate designs created by local designers in various places.
Bamboo and canes are also used to make chairs, sofa seat, head bands, leg guards, bangles, neck bands, necklace, armlets, leggings, Fish Traps and Fish Baskets etc.
Wood Carvings
The art and traditions of wood carving using dao, axe and chisels has been passed down for generations. The wood carvers creates beautiful and elegant wood work designs which portrays the rich artistic talents and creative skills of the local craftsmen. Traditionally these worker use to create wooden figures of human beings, hornbill, mithun head, elephants, tiger and other animals mostly displaced in the entrance of the village gates or front doors or porch of the houses.
Traditional Ornaments
Since ancient times, colourful and traditional ornaments were worn by both men and women specially during festive occasions. Common ornaments are necklaces, earrings, armlets and bracelets and headgears etc., It is mainly made out of beads, brass, bones and horns of animals, boar’s teeth, ivory, shells and precious stones and metals. The most common ornaments are necklaces, ear rings, armlets and bracelets. One may get these ornaments from State emporiums and shops
Pottery
During the ancient times the earthenware were the main items which was used for cooking and storing water and other items. It is made out of a special type of soils/clay and it is made only by women. Potters from Changki village were famous for their potteries.
Metal Work
The main metal works were primarily consisted of agricultural implements, ornaments, weapons for hunting and war, like spears and daos (machete). Among them the dao is the most important item which multi purpose uses.