Manipur enjoys a distinct place amongst
the Handloom zones in India. Handloom industry is the largest cottage industry
in the State. This industry has been flourishing since time immemorial. One
of the special features of the industry is that women are the only weavers.
According to the National handloom Census Reports 1988 there are about 2.71
lakh looms in Manipur.
It is believed that Chitnu Tamitnu, a goddess, discovered the cotton and she
also produced the yarn. When the threads are ready for weaving she arranged
the required equipments and constructed the ‘Sinnaishang’ (work
shed). It is also believed that the goddess Panthoibee once saw a spider producing
fine threads and making cowebs and from it she found the idea of weaving and
thus started weaving.
Most of the weavers who are famous for their skill and intricate designing
are from Wangkhei, Bamon Kampu, Kongba, Khongman, Utlou etc. in respect of
fine silk items. The rest of the villages of the State producing all varieties
of fabrics. Tribal shawls are all varieties of fabrics. Tribal shawls with
exotic designs and motifs are the products of five hill districts of the State.
Fabrics and Shawls of Manipur are in great demand in the national and international
market.
Today, major handloom production activities are undertaken by three Government
organizations namely a) Manipur Development Society (MDS) b) Manipur Handloom
and Handicrafts Development Corporation (MHHDC) c) Manipur State Handloom
Weavers Co-operative Society (MSHWCS).
Since cane and bamboo are abundantly available basketry has been a popular
occupation of the people of Manipur. Different shapes and sizes with different
designs are manufactured for domestic and ritualistic.
Heijing Kharai, Phiruk & Lukmai are exclusively meant for ceremonies such
as wedding, birth and death. For domestic purposes baskets like Likhai, Sangbai,
Chengbon, Meruk, Morah etc. are made.
Again, there are fishing equipments made of cane and bamboo. They are Longup,
Tungbol etc. People of Maring tribe inhabiting the Chandel District are the
main manufacturers of these types of basket. Other tribes and the Meeteis
also contribute a lot to the production of baskets.
Pottery culture is very old in Manipur. Most of the pots are handmade and
are of different colours (red, dark red and black). Pottery flourishes in
Andro, Sekmai, Chairen, Thongjao, Nungbi and parts of Senapati District. Chakpa
women are good potters and they make different types of pots are made for
ritualistic and ceremonial purposes.
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