Longpi-stone

Popularly known as Manipur Pottery, stone or Longpi pottery. This craft originated in ancient Manipur at a Village called Longpi. The origins of the technique of making Longpi Pottery are attributed to Goddess Panthobi. Craftsmen of these gorgeous earthenware from Manipur credit the Goddess as the mother of artifact-making that includes pottery making. That is why Longpi Pottery is necessarily used in performing rituals on festive occasions like childbirth and marriage. In the past only the Royalty or the Affluent could afford these products. These products are considered auspicious and widely used in ceremonies.

Specially designed for specific purposes, Longpi Pottery is used both for cooking and storing foodstuff.

The material used in Longpi is made from a mixture of Black serpentite stone and weathered rock. This is mixed in a three to one ratio. Serpentite rock provides the necessary strength and weathered rock acts as the binding agent. Unlike most pottery, Longpi does not resort to the potter's wheel. All shaping is done with the hand and with the help of molds. The structures of saucer, cups, kettle, frying pan, fruit bowls, cooking pot etc are put in a kiln and set on fire for around five to nine hours till it reaches 900 C. It is than polished with local leaves called pasaniapachiphylla (‘Chiro Na’ in local lingo) that provides the luster to its surface.It’s unique in style & technique. Powering a kiln by renewable source of energy ensures that the earthenware is 100% eco-friendly.

Legend claims that food tastes better when cooked in these potteries and locally they are revered for medicinal values. It’s widely acclaimed by the locals that using these potteries prevent morning sickness for pregnant women. Some more interesting facts about Longpi pottery are:

• Longpi pots and pans can be used for direct cooking over gas stoves or firewood, and are microwave-safe as well.
• Pots are good for simmering and slow cooking for hours over a low flame, homogenizing and condensing meat and lentils.
• Contents of the pot continue to sizzle for a long time after it is taken off the heat, ensuring that the food continues to remain hot.
• Drinking cups and mugs are great for tea, shakes and a chilled beer.
• Black colour is naturally obtained, no paints or chemical are used for the same.

Apart from the folklore advocating tastier and nutritious food cooked from Manipur pottery, it also has many environmental advantages:

• It doesn’t have any adverse health or environmental effects because its raw materials used in the pottery are completely natural and no chemicals are used.
• It leads to the creation of employment and enterprises in rural India as the entire process is handcrafted.
• The products after use are bio-degradable.