Longpi Pottery, which is also known in some places as Longpi Hamai, is one of the oldest pottery traditions in our country. It first started in the Naga villages in North East India. It is a craft that has always only been done with natural materials. It has a significance when it comes to the ritualistic significance of the north east and it was said to be done from the Neolithic period and it is an aesthetically pleasing kind of pottery. This tradition is also being revived because it is sustainable.
Meaning of Longpi Black Pottery
When it comes to “Longpi Black Pottery from Manipur: Ancient Methods and Sustainable Practices for Contemporary Homes”, it is a sort of craft that was practiced for centuries by the Tangkhul community. In the beginning, this craft was used for daily activities like storing random utensils in the pots or for keeping water or for cooking over the heat. Then, it began to be used in ritualistic occasions. In the twenty first century, it is mainly used to fulfil decorative purposes.
It is created with two major materials. The first material is called black stone which is a very special clay that is made from weathered rock. This kind of material is only available in the hills. This rock is also known as a lesh on the lung by the local people who live in the hills. At first, the makers crush the stone into a kind of fine powder which they mix carefully with clay to create a fine mixture. This paste has the ability to be shaped and fired properly. The stone is initially used because it adds hardness to the overall product and makes the pot much more durable, after it has been fired.
How the Pottery is Done
When it comes to “Longpi Black Pottery from Manipur: Ancient Methods and Sustainable Practices for Contemporary Homes”, the entire process is solely done by hand and there is zero mention of a potter’s wheel. Sometimes, if the potter does not wish to shape by hand, they make use of mold or a wooden paddle to beat and give proper shape to the walls. With the help of this pottery, a number of products can successfully be created like cooking pots or water pots or kettles or cups or bowls or serving trays.
After the pieces have been well shaped, they are dried underneath the sun. The villages fire the pottery by creating a public bonfire in the village. It is a time taking process. According to various reports, it takes about seven hours to fire the pottery properly as it takes a while to reach high heat. Still, there is one more step to complete the basic process.
After the pots have completely cooled down, the artisans polish the surface. They use it with the help of Chiron-ni local leaves. This creates smoke which gives the pots their original black color and a majestic shine.
Modern Designs
Nowadays, these pottery pieces are often used in the table to serve things. Using this very method, artisans are producing mugs, tumblers, jugs, trays, bowls etc and they all have the same black shine which makes Longpi pottery so characteristically popular. When it comes to “Longpi Black Pottery from Manipur: Ancient Methods and Sustainable Practices for Contemporary Homes”, it is deeply loved in contemporary families because it does not possess any chemicals and is absolutely unglazed. In fact, the users are always advised to clean it with mild soap and slightly hot water so that its shine remains untouched.
Author
Shreeja Mukherjee