Amit Khanna
Sameer Staff answered 5 months ago
Manipur is renowned for its rich tradition of handicrafts and handlooms, which reflect the cultural heritage and artistic skills of its people. Here’s a detailed guide for first-time visitors:
Famous Handicrafts of Manipur
Pottery
Description: Manipur’s black pottery, also known as Longpi pottery, is famous for its unique design and natural, rustic look. Made from a combination of black serpentine stone and clay, these items are crafted without a potter’s wheel.
Products: Pots, vases, bowls, mugs, and decorative items.
Where to Buy: Longpi village, local markets, and craft fairs.
Cane and Bamboo Work
Description: Manipur’s artisans create exquisite items from cane and bamboo, showcasing intricate weaving techniques.
Products: Baskets, furniture, mats, hats, and decorative pieces.
Where to Buy: Ukhrul and Churachandpur districts, and local markets.
Wood Carving
Description: Traditional wood carving is a significant craft in Manipur, with artisans producing detailed and expressive works.
Products: Sculptures, panels, furniture, and home decor items.
Where to Buy: Bishnupur district, local craft shops, and markets.
Jewelry Making
Description: Manipuri jewelry, especially traditional pieces, is known for its intricate designs and use of local materials.
Products: Necklaces, earrings, bracelets, and other ornaments.
Where to Buy: Imphal markets, craft bazaars, and jewelry shops.
Famous Handlooms of Manipur
Phanek
Description: The Phanek is a traditional wrap-around skirt worn by Manipuri women. It is often made from silk or cotton and features beautiful patterns and vibrant colors.
Products: Phaneks in various designs, including embroidered and handwoven.
Where to Buy: Khwairamband Bazar in Imphal, local boutiques, and handloom shops.
Rani Phee
Description: A type of shawl traditionally worn by Manipuri women, known for its delicate designs and soft texture.
Products: Shawls and wraps.
Where to Buy: Handloom markets in Imphal, and local craft centers.
Leirum Phee
Description: A traditional shawl with intricate patterns, often used in ceremonial occasions.
Products: Shawls, stoles, and scarves.
Where to Buy: Local handloom shops, markets, and craft fairs.
Shaphee Lanphee
Description: A traditional quilt that is significant in Manipuri culture, often presented as a gift during important ceremonies.
Products: Quilts, bedspreads, and blankets.
Where to Buy: Craft shops in Imphal, and local markets.
Tips for First-Time Visitors
Local Markets: The best place to find authentic Manipuri handicrafts and handlooms is the local markets in Imphal, especially the Khwairamband Bazar (also known as Ima Keithel), which is run entirely by women.
Craft Villages: Visit craft villages like Longpi for pottery, and districts like Ukhrul and Churachandpur for cane and bamboo products. These places offer a firsthand look at the crafting process.
Handloom Emporiums: Government-run handloom and handicraft emporiums provide a wide range of authentic products at reasonable prices. They ensure quality and support local artisans.
Festivals and Fairs: Time your visit to coincide with local festivals and fairs such as the Sangai Festival, where you can see a wide array of handicrafts and handlooms and purchase them directly from artisans.
Bargaining: While shopping in local markets, polite bargaining is common and often expected. It’s a good way to get the best deals.
Cultural Significance: Understanding the cultural significance behind these crafts can enhance your appreciation and selection. Many items are used in traditional ceremonies and have deep cultural meanings.
By exploring these beautiful crafts and supporting local artisans, visitors can take home a piece of Manipur’s rich heritage.
Subhash Staff answered 3 months ago
Manipur is renowned for its rich tradition of handicrafts, which reflect the state’s vibrant cultural heritage and skilled craftsmanship. Handicrafts from Manipur include a variety of art forms, from handloom textiles to bamboo and cane crafts. Here’s a detailed overview of some of the most popular handicrafts from the region:
1. Handloom Textiles
Phanek: This traditional wrap-around skirt worn by Manipuri women is often made of handwoven cotton or silk, featuring beautiful motifs and borders. Phanek designs vary between the different communities and are often adorned with intricate patterns.
Shawls: Manipur is famous for its handwoven shawls, such as the Shaphee Lanphee (a traditional Manipuri warrior shawl) and Moiraingphee (woven with intricate designs), which often have symbolic motifs representing nature, culture, or mythology.
Where to Buy: Government emporiums like Manipur Handlooms and local markets in Imphal like Khwairamband Bazaar.
2. Bamboo and Cane Crafts
Bamboo Baskets and Mats: Bamboo and cane weaving are some of the oldest crafts in Manipur. Artisans produce sturdy yet beautifully designed baskets, containers, and mats used in households and for decorative purposes.
Furniture and Decorative Items: Bamboo and cane are also used to create a variety of furniture, from chairs to tables, as well as decorative items such as lampshades, trays, and even bamboo ornaments.
Where to Buy: Ema Market (Ima Keithel) in Imphal, and other handicraft shops in the state.
3. Kauna Grass Products
Kauna (water reed) is a natural fiber found in Manipur’s wetlands, and it’s used to create beautiful and sustainable products such as baskets, mats, bags, and furniture. Kauna products are lightweight, durable, and eco-friendly.
Where to Buy: Local craft markets in Thoubal and Bishnupur, as well as Imphal markets like Khwairamband Bazaar.
4. Pottery
Pottery is another prominent craft in Manipur, particularly Longpi Pottery, also known as black stone pottery. This unique craft is made from a mixture of black serpentine stone and clay, molded without a wheel, and fired to give it a smooth black finish. Longpi pottery is eco-friendly, durable, and often used for cooking and serving.
Where to Buy: Longpi village in Ukhrul district and handicraft stores in Imphal.
5. Wood Carving
Manipuri artisans excel in wood carving, creating beautifully detailed wooden sculptures, household items, and decorative pieces. Popular items include intricately carved masks, furniture, and decorative figurines that often depict local deities or traditional motifs.
Where to Buy: Ukhrul, Churachandpur, and craft markets in Imphal.
6. Jewelry
Manipur is known for its traditional jewelry, often crafted from silver, beads, and natural materials. Intricately designed earrings, necklaces, and bangles reflect the artistic skill of local artisans. The tribal jewelry from the state is particularly unique, often featuring bold designs and natural elements like shells and stones.
Where to Buy: Jewelry shops and handicraft emporiums in Imphal, especially around Paona Bazaar.
7. Block Printing
Manipuri artisans also practice the art of block printing on textiles. Traditional motifs and patterns, inspired by nature and tribal symbols, are printed on fabrics like cotton and silk. These fabrics are used to make garments, scarves, shawls, and home décor items.
Where to Buy: Handloom shops in Imphal and nearby villages.
8. Doll Making
Manipuri doll making is another unique craft, where dolls are made from materials such as cloth, clay, and bamboo. These dolls often represent traditional attire and local festivals, offering a glimpse into Manipuri culture. They are popular as souvenirs and decorative items.
Where to Buy: Local craft stores and markets in Imphal.
9. Embroidery
Manipuri embroidery, especially Zari work, is renowned for its delicate and intricate designs. Often seen on traditional garments like phaneks and shawls, embroidery work from Manipur features floral patterns, religious symbols, and geometric designs.
Where to Buy: Ema Market in Imphal and local boutiques.
10. Leather Crafts
Manipuri artisans are also known for their leatherwork, creating bags, shoes, belts, and wallets. Traditional designs and modern adaptations are often combined to create stylish, durable leather products that appeal to both locals and tourists.
Where to Buy: Leather stores and craft markets in Imphal and surrounding towns.
Where to Shop for Handicrafts in Manipur
1. Ema Market (Ima Keithel) – Imphal
Also known as the Mother’s Market, this is one of the largest all-women markets in Asia. It’s a hub for buying traditional handloom textiles, bamboo crafts, jewelry, pottery, and more, all made by local artisans.
2. Khwairamband Bazaar – Imphal
Located in the heart of Imphal, this market is perfect for buying bamboo crafts, textiles, traditional attire, and jewelry. It’s a vibrant place to experience the local culture and shop for authentic Manipuri products.
3. Paona Bazaar – Imphal
A popular shopping district in Imphal, Paona Bazaar offers a range of traditional Manipuri handicrafts, handloom textiles, and jewelry. It’s a bustling market where you can find unique crafts and souvenirs.
4. Government Emporiums
Manipur Handlooms & Handicrafts Development Corporation operates various emporiums, including Chanu Emporium, where you can buy high-quality handloom and handicraft products, including silk textiles, pottery, and bamboo crafts.