Discovering Indigenous Black Pottery: The Story of Longpi

Imagine whistling winds in lavish woods, bluebirds over clear lakes, sprawling prairies laden with flowers, and lush green valleys surrounded by mist-covered hills - Welcome to Manipur and its rich culture!

Tucked silently in the breathtaking region of Northeastern India, many crafts have been nestled amidst the hills and valleys of these serene locations for centuries. A celebration of history, tradition, and craftsmanship, one such handicraft is the Art of Longpi Pottery (also known as, stone pottery, pottery without wheel, and more) - Locally called ‘Longpi Ham’.

Born from the grace of Goddess Panthoibi, the local craftsmen regard her as the mother of artifact-making - the Longpi technique is said to have been handed down from the Neolithic period. Although, most of the villages of Manipur have distinct colors and designs of their own pottery, Longpi pottery stands out due to its uniqueness and timeless appeal.

The black pottery of Longpi got its name from the villages of Longpi Khullen and Longpi Kajui. Practiced by the Tangkhul community, it is passed down through generations, showcasing the versatility of this ancient art form. A labor-intensive and technique-sensitive skill set has not only kept the legacy alive but also evolved with time.

THE AWE FACTOR:

This Art of Longpi Pottery requires neither the wheel nor a kiln (Can you believe it!?)

WHAT’S STRIKING?

They are distinguished by a surreal black and rustic matte finish, enhanced by an appealing luster, smooth surface, clean lines, and immense durability.

WONDER HOW?

Patience & Perseverance - Crafted from sun-drying, and crushing ground Black Serpentine Stone (Leshong Lung) and Reddish Weathered Rock (special brown clay called Salla Nali), exclusively found in the mountains of Longpi village, then made into a paste with a wooden trough. It is further kneaded and pounded using a paddle (suk) and stored in lumps in plastic bags to preserve, protect, and shape it later.

Using various simple tools, and different handmade pottery techniques, such as pinching, coiling, and slab-building, phenomenal everyday items are brought to life. The very special part is that these items are fired using an ancient bonfire firing technique and the beautiful shine on it comes from polishing the heated earthen pots with a local tree leaf.

DELVING INTO THE WHY?

Longpi creations have been used as unique cookware due to their heat-resistant properties and because of their iron-rich content. They are also known to kill germs in the food cooked, faster than any conventional vessel. 

With a lot of other ancient uses, these were traditionally used for cooking, and storing food and beverages. These vessels were exclusively used in royal rituals, religious ceremonies, and meaningful gatherings. In the past, owning them was a privilege for the wealthy, but today, it is known globally!

FUN FACT:

The Longpi area throughout history, served as a gathering point for numerous villages, where artisans engaged in the pottery trade, often exchanging their wares for salt.

THE LEGACY LIVES ON:

An authentic heritage craft with minimalist elegance and earthy charm, these one-of-a-kind ceramic creations are absolutely stunning, catering to almost every purpose from cooking to serving. Handmade with love, every arch and curve, line and mold narrates a tale of age-old artistry refined with precise craftsmanship and days of effort.

When you lay the table with these heritage pieces, know that you are not just achieving a spectacular tablescape but also serving the whispers of a story carved in history, in the mountains of the pristine Northeast!