Art & Crafts of Manipur

Cane and Bamboo

Bamboo is the natural resource abundant among the flora and fauna of Manipur. It is found copiously in the several districts of Manipur like Tamenglong, Churachandpur Jiribam and Imphal. Apart from Tripura, Bamboo is found in the largest capacity in the state of Manipur. The main products contrived by the Bamboo is sofa set, tray, basketry, mats, flower vase, chair, ashtray and various other ornamental and domestic utility items. However, the production of cane made article has considerably reduced due to the paucity of cane because of Jhum (Shifting) farming excessively practiced in these hill areas.

Dolls and Toys

Manipuri dolls and toys reflect its traditional folk culture. They make them from various stuffs like wood, bamboo, cloth, and cotton, clay etc. These charming dolls and toys are available in their traditional ethnic outfits. The characters of the dolls are reproduced from the folk lore and mythology i.e. Radha Krishna, Khamba and Thoibi. And the toys are accessible in the caricature of different birds and animal.

Hand-Embroidery and Block Printing

Hand embroidery is one of the most popular crafts of Manipur. Both the ladies and gents in the state practice this art in the state. Manipur boasts of about ten diverse varieties of embroideries like Khamenchatpa Kabui, Namthang-Khut-hut, Motrangphee (Temple Design), Singh Nangpan (Flag Design) and so on. Intricate hand embroidery is done on various domestic pieces like handkerchief, bed cover, table clothes, T.V covers and many more. The prints of prominent national and local figures and animal themes are stitched on these pieces with perfection. Another popular form of craft hugely popular in Manipur is hand block printing. They are performed on and bed covers and pillow covers with sophisticated prints on them.

Kauna (Water Reed) Crafts

Impahal is the heart of kauna craft. Kauna, being a kind of reed generally grown in the wet and marsh lands is found in abundant in the valley of Manipur particularly near the valley of Imphal. The area is famous for the production of chairs, mats, cushions, bags, coasters and moorah and so on. These products enjoy great popularity in the region.

Stone Carving

The art of stone carving survives from the earliest practices of Manipur. It is its traditional craft. They utility items such as stone glasses, flower vases, plates, grinder, candle stands and bowls etc are extensively made in the famous district of Bishnupur. Following the age old custom of constructing engraved memorial stones with the description of the achievements of the deceased person, the artisans of Manipur still excel in this craft.

Textile Weaving

The craft of textile weaving popularly known as Laichamphi, has taken the form of small scale industry and is practiced in almost all the local household of Manipur. They employ aboriginal method of weaving coarse cotton and silk clothes on the looms. For this cotton yarns are imported in bulk quantity. These cotton yarns are dyed in different colors like black, red, green, yellow, orange and pink. Further, horizontal and vertical strips along with geometric blocks are artistically arranged on them. Again these blocks are filled with smaller components of geometrical designs along with well maintained color pattern. This art: Laichamphi basically also mean cotton cloth. However the local demand is met by loin loom weaving.

Wood Carving in Manipur

Wood carving is yet another popular art and craft of Manipur. Due the poor means of transport and communication, the area remains highly inaccessible. And this has left many craftsmen of Manipur depended on wood as their means of craft. They made host of wooden utility products like wooden tray, drum spoons and many such items.