IGRMS takes Tangkhul Naga tribe's poetry online

Under the twenty four series of its online exhibition by

Indira Gandhi Rashtriya Manav Sangrahalaya

(IGRMS), Longpi pottery of Manipur was presented online with its basic information and photographs and videos.

About this exhibition, Dr. Praveen Kumar Mishra, Director, IGRMS said that, an unique pottery tradition of the Tangkhul Naga tribe of Manipur, was 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.

About this Longpi Pottery of Manipur N. Sakmacha, who is

the Sangrahalaya Associate

told that Longpi potters use local clay called Salai Nali, mixed in a ratio of 2:3 with a serpentines rock called Lishon-loong as a tempering material for preparing pots. Simple bamboo and wooden tools shape various earthenware designs, and they adopt a highly skilful method to fire the pots. One of the essential items that endorse the pride of their cultural identity is a vessel called Hampai. This massive cooking vessel traditionally marks the symbol of festivity, merriment, and prosperity.