Ever wondered how the food will taste, if cooked in a stone utensilIJ Well, the artisans from Manipur have brought a range of stone crockery which is beneficial in treating diabetes.
The crockery made of Serpentine Stone is on display at Adishilp Tribal Art and Craft Exhibition cum sale at Gauhar Mahal. The earthen stone does not only looks beautiful, but also has many health benefits.
Mathew Sasa from Manipur shares the history and the process of the utensils with The Pioneer. She said, “Serpentine stone comes from the Thangkhul Naga tribe. We make the stone utensils and cook on them only. They are beautiful and have health benefits.”
Sharing about the history Sasa said, “We started cooking in the stone utensil about 60 years back giving it a modern touch. Earlier it was used only on the traditional chulha, but now it can be used on stove, gas and even the microwave.”
Process
The rocks are crushed to a powder and mixed with water to form a clay-like consistency. The dull-brown mixture is kneaded the entire day and flattened on a wooden board for the initial slab work. Uniquely, the pots are not crafted on a potter’s wheel, but are shaped with hands and tools.
Once the shaped clay has dried and is hard enough, it is taken to an open bonfire and heated for 5 to 7 hours at temperatures over 1200 degrees centigrade.
The pottery is taken out when still hot it is scrubbed with a local leaf known as machee, or sometimes is rubbed with a bamboo stick giving it a smooth finish and nice shine. The charming bowls are then completed for the use having a distinctly earthy, yet contemporary appearance.
Health Benefits
Serpentine stone has a lot of health benefits. Sasa while talking about it said that the stone has healing powers. It is has extremely cleansing and detoxification qualities for the body and the mind. It aids in meditation and enhances spiritual exploration. Serpentine assists the retrieval of wisdom and helps in balancing mental and emotional imbalances.
The biggest advantage is that it treats diabetes and hypoglycemia too, shared Sasa.