Manipur is not just known for its beautiful landscapes but also for its mesmerizing handicrafts and hand looms. From its calming caves to thrilling football turfs found in almost every village, Manipur will leave you in awe of its serenity. The place and people will rejuvenate your mind and soul. There’s no better feeling than living so close to nature that it would leave you with instant gratification. It saddens me to see how badly the state is burning with vengeance and violence, a state I resonate home with. My heart goes out to all the armed personnels (both men and women) working day and night to restore peace. I realized how lucky we are that there’s someone else who’s ready to lay out his or her life before something gets to us. They truly live by ‘sleep peacefully because the Indian Army is guarding the Frontiers’. My heart also goes out to all families stuck in this situation.
This blog is a dedication to the beauty of the state that needs prayers and the tireless efforts of the Armed Forces. I still remember spending a weekend in the enchanting terrain of Ukhrul. I feel grateful to experience the process of the black pottery, Longpi.
Pronounced as “long-pee”, this gratifying form of pottery comes from two villages (Longpi Kajui and Longpi Khullen) in the Ukhrul District of Manipur. Longpi ham is made from a mixed paste of ground black serpentinite stone and a special brown clay, found in the banks of the river in Longpi.
Longpi pottery is a form of hand building where the potters do not use the potter's wheel. The process is quite tedious and time consuming and often reminds me of my young days when I felt so energetic. The tribal women break off chunks of rocks and carry them back in baskets to their village and allow them to dry for a couple of days. This usually happens in the winter months when there is no rain, the rains are pretty dense in Manipur. They break the rocks into smaller pieces, which are then pounded into powder that’s mixed with another soft stone, lishon, and kneaded into a dough. It is then dried a little, depending on the weather, and then shaped in bamboo molds. After the pots are shaped, polished and sun dried, they are heated in a bonfire and thereafter polished with a special tree leaf locally called Chiron ni. The black color of Longpi ham is a result of polishing the heated earthen pots with the tree leaf. Not only the process requires a lot of hard work but also a creative bent of mind.
Pottery is the secondary occupation of the populace and is the main source of income for the artisans. This Manipuri pottery has great historical significance. Back then, these were used during royal rituals and were owned by the wealthier class of the society. Today, it is imported to different parts of the world to make home ware both exceptional and functional. The best thing is that these pots can be used on a regular flame and don’t require any additional maintenance. It is generally believed that cooking in this pottery enhances the taste of the food as compared to other pots and pans. I love that the people still believe in living in a sustainable way and make these eco friendly pots. There’s no use of paints or any other form of colors and chemicals. The design details are also so thoughtful and the usage is even easier. Simple, sweet, sustainable and such beautiful pieces.
Here’s to the weekend in Ukhrul and a heart full of gratitude for being able to live in Manipur. Praying for Manipur always!