Microwave has started making its place not only in big cities but also in small towns and cities. This is the reason why the trend of microwave-proof utensils is also increasing. Now whether there is a microwave in a house or not, but people buy utensils that are microwave safe, in the hope that at some point they will buy a microwave. But here you need to know that even though microwave is a foreign technology, but microwave proof utensils have been made here for years. Today we are going to tell you about one such pot.
The famous traditional black utensils of Manipur are not only eco friendly but also microwave safe. They are known worldwide as Longpi Hampai. The reason for this is that these utensils are made from a special stone and clay mixture found in Longpi Khullen and Longpi Kajui, two villages located near Ukhrul district of the state. This is a traditional style, in which chalk is not used for making utensils. Rather it is made by hand with the help of molds and tools.
It is said that this art is very old and for generations, the Tangkhul Naga tribe of Manipur has been making these utensils. These utensils, which were used only on the birth of a child or on special events, were once only able to be bought by the people of the royal houses. That’s why they are also called ‘royal utensils’. These black colored utensils are making their place in metros and abroad today not only because of their traditional style but also due to their qualities.
What is the specialty of Longpi pot?
For the manufacture of these utensils, the spiral rock is broken and given the form of clay. Delhi resident Mathew Sasa, who has been making utensils with this art for many generations, says, “These stones are found in abundance on the banks of the river in Longpi village. Special brown clay is mixed in their powder. The mixture is then prepared by adding water. After preparing the soil properly, pots are made from it. They are black in color and not only are they beautiful to look at, but also great for cooking and storing food.”
He said that these utensils are made without the help of chalk. So there are a lot of different designs people can make. Once the pot is made, it is dried in the sun. After drying for a few hours, they are roasted in the open on the flame. After baking in the flame for about seven hours, the utensils are taken out hot. They are rubbed and made smooth with a local leaf called Machi (Pasania pachyphylla).
Mathew says the entire process takes six days. All natural ingredients are used in making these utensils. No chemicals of any kind are used. Therefore, cooking and storing food in these utensils is also considered beneficial for health. Longpi pots are also used in earthen stove, gas and microwave. These utensils are completely biodegradable. They say that even after removing these utensils from the gas or stove, the food remains hot in them for a long time. You can buy Kadhai, Handi, Kettle, Cup, Mug, Tray, Frying Pan etc made from Longpi style.
Demand is increasing in foreign countries as well
Mathew is originally from Longpi. He learned this art from his father. His father Machihan Sasa has been making longpi utensils for years. He also started ‘Sasa Ham Pottery Training cum Production Center’ to teach this art to the younger generations. He has also received National Award Certificate in 1988 and Shilp Award in 2008 for his work in the field of Longpi art.
Mathew says, “I have been doing this work with my father since school time. When I passed school, I once got a chance to attend the International Fair held in Delhi with him. I noticed that not only the people of the cities but also the foreigners are liking our products very much.” He was to return to Manipur after the fair was over. Then Mathew felt that if he wanted to pursue this art, then he would have to market it outside Manipur. Therefore, Mathew told his father that he would continue the Longpi art by staying in Delhi. He worked hard day and night and started his own outlet named ‘Matthew Sasa Craft’ in Delhi. Today, from this outlet, he is delivering longpi utensils not only to the people of Delhi and surrounding areas but also to customers in countries like America, Canada, Germany, Japan.
He said, “Our traditional style has gained a lot of recognition at the international level. Today I get orders from many export houses, national emporiums etc. Apart from this, I also get orders from different countries every month. Our utensils are being liked very much by the foreigners. Every month I am getting orders worth Rs 3 to 4 lakhs from abroad.
Today, many people in the country are doing business of longpi pottery along with pottery. Due to the recognition at the international level, many youths are joining this work today.
Bengaluru-based Zishta company is delivering its products to countries like Dubai, USA. So Tiipoi, a London-based design studio, has set up a workshop of its own in Bengaluru. This studio is giving international recognition to many crafts of India. Including longpi pots.
Editing – G N Jha
Cover Photo
Also read: Manipur: 12th pass youth made bamboo mobile tripod, got award
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