Making things by our hand is a common activity that every human being practices from childhood. From the beginning of human history man has created and produced numerous handmade useful household objects. Handicraft has a very especial place in our heart because of our sentimental attachment compare to the modern mass produced consumer products. Use of indigenous material (fiber, leather, stone, shell, wood, metal, etc.) remains the primary choice in handicrafts. A handicraft is kind of craft that can be made by using one's hands or simple tools. The rich handicraft reflects the cultural ethos, tradition and history of each society. It carries special significance in every society. Anthropologists take great interest to understand the social fabric of cultures with the help of handicrafts.

Plate 1A Wood Craft	1B Block Prints	1C Vase Painting	1D Cane Basket making

Handicraft in India has a long history covering the entire subcontinent. The orientation of handicraft remained mostly in rural environment. Woodcraft (plate 1A) has produced large number of attractive artifacts in the form of toys. Fabric has produced exceptional creative work in the form of rugs (plate 1B), drapery, clothing, dresses, etc. Hand-painted earthen pots (plate 1C) have special place in our society during the ceremonial events and rituals. Cane baskets (plate 1D) have strong presence in rural lifestyle for various household activities. Basket for carrying food and other belongings, basket for catching fish, basket to cover food are some of the common utility that are found in the rural society. The durability and environmentally friendly material of cane and bamboo are closely associated with Indian subcontinent rural lifestyle.