Longpi Pottery

Longpi pottery is known as Longpi Ham or Black pottery. The name Longpi pottery is derived from the Longpi village of Ukhrul district, Manipur. Tangkhul Naga tribe of Manipur is engaged in this activity of making beautiful pieces of earthenware. The majority of villagers are engaged in making preparing handmade pots and household ware as it is an important occupation for them after agriculture. This pottery is known for its unique shapes and designs as well as its texture and metal-like appearance. Longpi pottery is used as kitchen utensils or decorative items in the household. Villagers either sell or make the pottery for their personal use.

Longpi pottery is also called as ‘Royal Pottery’ because these craft items were only owned and used by the noble families of Manipur. People also use it for ritualistic purposes, owing to its link with the Goddess Panthobi and during childbirth or marriage ceremony. A Single village has around 400 households with just 200 artisans who are practicing the Longpi pottery. The making and selling of this stone cookware offer a sustainable source of livelihood to the artisans. Unlike in other parts of India, the craft is practiced both by men and women.

Process

Artisans follow a distinct technique to make Longpi pottery compare to other potters. Black (Longpi) pots are made from a mixture paste of brown clay and ground black serpentine rock, which is naturally black in color and available only certain hills of Manipur. Both materials are mixed in three to one ratio. To get this special rock, ladies walk 20 kilometers by balancing on their heads in cane baskets. The paste formed from the mixture by adding water is then rolled by hand into desired shapes. Once shaped clay is dried and hard enough, the structures of the pot, cups, kettle, bowls, etc. are put in a kiln and set on fire for five to nine hours till it reaches 900 degrees Celsius. After that these products are shaped, polished and sun-dried. The pit is finished by rubbing with the reddish-brown seed of a wild creeper on the surface and finally polished with local leaves called Imlay(Strobilanthes cusia) and Kuhi(pasania pachiphylla) which gives the black shiny color and smoothness to its surface.

Artisans Making Black Pottery

The final products are gray-black mugs, kettles, bowls, mugs, trays, cooking pots, etc. made with hands only. Today people use these pots as flower vases, serve ware and decoration. Artisans do not use wheels like other pottery making for making pots. Products are frequently complemented with a lacing of fine cane at the handles and knobs. They have a distinctly earthy, yet contemporary appearance.

Interesting facts and benefits

For making Longpi pottery, artisans don’t use any chemicals, machines or wheel-like other potters. Utensils are made from all-natural materials like black stone and hilly clay which makes food more delicious, hygiene and gives health benefits with earthen taste. Utensils are not only used for storing stuff but also for cooking at high temperatures. Another unique characteristic of this handmade pot is that it is used for cooking using, gas stoves, firewood and microwave as well. One can cook food for hours without fear of burning food. The serving set is accompanied by a cane handles which is useful for an easy grip. Products are lightweight and durable.

Artisan with final Black Pottery products

The black pottery exhibits a deep link with nature and unique styles. Artisans used to make only cooking utensils but now they have innovated new designs and products. They're all black in color, simple and almost minimalistic. Longpi ham cookware has gained popularity over national and even abroad for its unique characteristics and look. Unfortunately, traditional markets of these products are diminishing due to unawareness, replaced by other metalware products, lack of marketing. There is a need for creating a niche market by promoting its benefits and characteristics, motivate artisans to acquaint themselves with new designs and decorations to save this age-old craft.