Hill Ivory Craft of Manipur The tribes of all the 3 groups native to the hills of Manipur - the Nagas, the old Kukis and the new Kukis, make simple ivory crafts mostly ornaments. They cut the elephant teeth into slices, carving out armlets, wristlets or bangles, rings and earrings according to the diameter of the slice. These ornaments are considered prized ornaments, used as an essential facet of their Manipuri dance attire. While hollowing the slices, the leftover pieces that come out are used to make various miscellaneous items. Valley Ivory Craft of Manipur The Meitheis of the valley of Manipur are however much superior makers of ivory craft, having had been exposed to various other states of India since couple of centuries. They have observed and learnt about different products that can be crafted out of ivory. Subsequently, the craft developed owing to royal patronage and products initially made were as desired by the king, with motifs that were mostly Hindu (specifically Vaishnava) icons. There were also products of the typical Meithei style. But the merger of the tribes of the hills and the valley of Manipur caused the ivory craft in the state to languish. It had an initial setback after merger as the royal patronage was suddenly withdrawn and later on pressure from the wildlife groups made the use of ivory legally banned in the state. The talent and art of many old artisans though sustained, in the scenario of which, it is necessary to go for alternate material which is acceptable legally, to produce identical items such that both the artisans and elephants survive. Some old preserved ivory works of Manipur can be found in the royal palace and in the house of old nobles. Some of them are also found in the state museum. These works have only justified the skill of highest magnitude of the artisans of the state. Related Articles: Manipur Nagas Kukis Cane and Bamboo Crafts of Manipur Crafts of Manipur Imphal Ivory Art in India Ivory Craft in India Manipuri Dance Manipur State Museum |