The northeastern state of India, Manipur is a storehouse of variety of crafts. Manipuris make their crafts with a lot of passion and style. Crafts of Manipur are a prized possession and have been widely acclaimed by connoisseurs of crafts from all over the world. The papier -mache, decorative items made out of ivory, dolls and jewellery are highly esteemed mementos.
Bamboo and Cane crafts
Manipur is blessed with cane and bamboos, which is used to make a wide range of utility and decorative items. Some of the bamboo and cane products are sofa sets, murhas, mats, basketry, tray, chair, table, flower vase, ashtray etc. The baskets of cane are famous which have distinct motifs, patterns and intricate weaves. The Bamboo screen chiks have attained commercial proportion. The screens of Manipur consist of beautiful room divider and mandap backdrops.
Embroidery craft
Manipur also has its own style of embroidery with practically no variety of stitches. This border is usually done on women`s lungi called the phanek. It is made in dark matching shade with untwisted silk thread in red, plum or chocolate colours. It is so finely made that it looks as if it is a part of the weave. Another elegant design is the akoybi, which has one circle joining the other, each being further broken in to patterns with a significant motif. The akoybi is dominated by two shades of red and looks as if one is the reflection of the other with a nuance of black and white.
Hijay, which is another design, has patterns all over it in white and black to highlight the running line and the circular movements. A fine appliqué work is done of white on white especially on turbans. The abhala or the mirror work is done on the ras dance costume.
Metal crafts
Manipur is also known for the bell metal craft especially the customary artifacts by the cire perdue castings. It has its own varieties of metal ware. A large bowl with a broad rim around its neck and resting on a marvelous pedestal is called Krishna kanti. The betel nut container with a lid is called senga. Simple patterns with dots, lines and circles that sometimes resemble fish scales are hammered to form attractive ornamentation both on the borders and on the surface. The nayatpi design is made on the mould itself, which is put on smaller items like cups and bowls. The Yamguleiba design is simply lines inscribed horizontally on water pots.
Weaving craft
Weaving is a household craft in Manipur. Some of the famous woven designs of saris, chadors are Likli, also called the bottle design, lashing phee, a quilted material that serves as a warm cover in winter, morang phee a saree distinguished by its temple border and connected with the tragic love tale of Khamba -Thoibi, etc. Some of the saris resemble the Jamdaani or is a combination of woven and embroidered border.
Block printing craft
Hand block printing is a favorite art and craft in Manipur. Printing on pillow covers and bed sheets are common in the state. Hand block prints on traditional attires of Manipur have also grabbed much limelight.
Cane and Bamboo crafts
Cane and bamboo crafts of Manipur are widespread due to the abundance of bamboo. Bamboo and cane are used to create light-weight products like mats, baskets, lightweight furniture, stools, ashtrays, flower vase, etc. They provide an ethnic look to homes and offices.
Kauna Crafts
Kauna also known as water reed is mostly cultivated in marshy and wetland regions. Kauna is majorly produced in Manipur and is used to manufacture mats and cushions, mainly in the Imphal valley. Crafts created are used in the local as well as export markets.
Clay Crafts
Several utility items are made using clay in Manipur. The skilled artisans mould the clay into beautiful products like pots, flower vase, bowls, showpieces, etc which are adorned by everyone.
Wood Craft
Wood carving is a famous practice in Manipur due to the abundance of forests. The wood is carved beautifully by the craftsmen to create products like boxes, almirahs, and home decor items. They also make utility items like dinner sets, trays and spoons.
Stone Craft
Stone carving is an old tradition which is followed by the people of Manipur. Artisans make effective use of stone to carve pictures of Gods and Goddesses, home decor items like flower vases, candle stands and stone vessels.
Crafts of Manipur are abundant and reflect the varied culture and tradition of the region. Most crafts are made using raw materials from nature like wood, clay, etc. which also makes them eco-friendly and unique in their own way.
