Manipur artisans work towards preserving traditional handicrafts

Longjam Hemolata Devi, 47, a weaver from Kwakeithel Mayaikoibi Chabungbam Leikai, is one of the few artisans involved in making Shaphee Lanphee- a rare traditional handicraft of Manipur embroidered with meaningful motifs.

Hemolata has been working with dedication to promote the Shaphee Lanphee craft for years.

To preserve the age old craft, she provides training to some local women in order to carry forward the legacy.

"I should say that people like this handloom product because this shawl design is very different and unique from what other artisans make in Manipur .This cannot be easily made and it is not available easily as a result there is a lot of demand. People always want new products; new design so there is demand for this kind of product," said Hemolata Devi.

All together 20 women are currently learning the art of Saphee Lanphee under Hemolata's guidance.

This traditional handloom product is intricately designed with different meaningful patterns.

Earlier it was used as "Mana Phee" - a reward by the kings to brave soldiers as a token of honour after winning a battle.

Motifs of sun, stars, fish, spear, peacock, Buffalo horn, horse, and elephant are extensively used.

"My parents spend for our family expenditure but the money that I earn here, I spend it for my personal expenditure and for other things that I want," said Rangita Devi, an artisan.

"I am thinking to work longer here under my teacher and I am trying hard to get a state level award. Recently, I got merits certificate from my teacher now I'll work hard to get award from the state and I'm planning to open my own centre at home in the future," said Lukram Ongbi Geetarani Devi, another artisan.

Manipur has a rich culture of handlooms and handicraft which needs to be preserved for future generations.