Clay Karma

Some say, best stories are those that exhibits the rich and effervescent chronicle of any place and its people. One such wondrous tale is that of the captivating Longpi black pottery, one of the best kept treasures from the mesmerizing “jeweled land” of Manipur. Paradisiacally tucked away in mother nature’s lap, Manipur is home to one of the most prepossessing craftsmanship – Longpi Hampai pottery or the famous black pottery of Manipur. Longpi (Nungbi) is made up of two villages – Longpi Kajui and Logpi Khullen, in the Ukhrul district of Manipur. The chief artisans are the Tangkhul Naga tribe, who have made a mark   with its black earthenware. One of the most incredible features of this craft is that it is created without a potter’s wheel. No machines, electricity or chemicals are used in the making process. All shaping is done with the hand and with the help of molds. As the story goes, the residents of Ukhrul district of Manipur credit the origins of this craft to Goddess Pa...