Under the 24th series of its online exhibition by Indira Gandhi Rashtriya Manav Sangrahalaya (IGRMS), on Wednesday was presented ‘Longpi Pottery of Manipur'. IGRMS has presented it online with its basic information and photographs and videos.
About this exhibition, Praveen Kumar Mishra, Director, IGRMS said that, A unique pottery tradition of the Tangkhul Naga tribe of Manipur, exhibited in the museum’s Kumharpara open-air exhibition. A wide range of black ware pottery ranging from simple household utensils to large vessels, including innovatively crafted decorative and art items.
The Tangkhul Naga Potters prepared these exhibits during workshops organized by IGRMS in the museum premises. The Tangkhul Naga Pottery, also known as the Longpi Pottery, is named after the Longpi village, located in the Ukhrul district of Manipur.
The village is famous for producing indigenous black ware pottery, which is inherited from their forefathers. Longpi Potters used to exchange their earthenware with meat, rice, and baskets in the olden days.
Traditionally, the art of pottery among the Tangkhul tribe was practiced by the males only. The pottery craft used to have involved appropriate ritual conduct. The making of pots by women was considered a social taboo. Pottery being the major source of economy, women have also gradually started making pottery in this village.
