Longpi Pottery of Manipur

HAMPAI
Large size traditional vessel
used by the socially dignified person for giving feast.

Longpi village is located 40 Kms away from the Ukhrul district head quarter of Manipur. Majority of the villagers are potters who prepare handmade pots and household earthen ware as an important occupation in addition to their agricultural works. This age old skill of handmade pottery is inherited from their forefathers. Longpi Pot of Manipur has been able to attract large number of people from both the domestic and international arena. It is known not only for its unique shapes and innovated designs but also for the beautiful texture and metal like appearance normally used in various household functions either as kitchen utensils or decorative items for the fancy people.

Traditionally, Longpi potter used to prepare Hampai (pot of a dignified man) for the noble family and a man of social status other than the common household utensils. Hampais were used in massive food preparation during social feast and it happened to be the pride possession of a family symbolising the power, strength and richness in the society. With the growing demand of Longpi pots, the potters have stated introducing several innovated forms of this earthen ware.

Powder of local sandy clay

+

Powder of local mineral stone

=

Mixure of the above in a ratio of 2:1
(sandy clay being two times of the mineral stone grains)

Kneading process

Traditional tools used in making handmade black ware pottery
by the Tangkhul tribe in Longpi village of Manipur

Pot for brewing rice beer

Rice pot

Curry making vessel

Ricebeer Container (Ceremonial pot)

Bowl with stand used for consuming meal

Container used for serving locally brewed rice beer 

Pot used for drinking water

Decorated container

Decorated Container

Tea Cup

Traditional furnace for smoking tobacco

Decorated Mug for drinking rice beer (gender specific)

Decorated Mug for drinking rice beer (gender specific)

Cooking pot with lid

Cooking Vessel with lid

The earthen vessels shown above are prepared by the Tangkhul potters from Longpi village in a Workshop (Shilpayan) organised by IGRMS at its campus Bhopal.
Photographs: Indira Gandhi Rashtriya Manav Sangrahalaya (IGRMS), Bhopal