Under the popular museum series ‘Exhibit of the Month’ of Indira Gandhi Rashtriya Manav Sangrahalaya, a traditional object has been displayed in the appearance for a whole month.
The exhibit for the month of June, 2018 is ‘leephan: A table made of cane’, which is widely used both by the hill tribes and plain people of Manipur especially for the purpose of serving meal.
Although, leephan appears in different forms and sizes, the primary function is to serve the purpose of dining. However, the Meitei community in the valley of the state, use leephan in other aspects of their social and religious life also. It is also said that the most beautiful and large form of leephan s were used as a receptacle of giving honour and rewards by the King and tribal Chief. The present exhibit explains the socio-cultural relevance, excellence of craft technique and cultural beliefs concerning with the uses of leephan in Manipur. This exhibition is being mounted by Dr. Ashok Kumar Sharma (Assistant Keeper). Meiteis believed that if the basket is kept out at night, the soul of the members of the family also would lie outside the house.
When an important occasion comes up for a family and it is raining, a loosely woven basket or tray is kept facing the sky to stop the rain. When Meiteis buy leephan , there is a practice to count the number of binds with Chang (life) and Shi (death). They choose the bind which ends with Chang a belief of good omen.