Longpi Pottery, commonly referred to as black pottery, is an age-old artistic tradition. The tradition has its roots in the village of Longpi Kajui in Manipur’s Ukhrul district. Masterfully crafted by the Tangkhul Naga tribe, the art of Longpi carries cultural and religious significance.

Local legends say that Goddess Panthoibi, the mother of artefact-making in Manipur, birthed this art form. The craft has strong ritualistic connections such as with childbirth and wedding ceremonies. The intergenerational technique can be traced as far back as the Neolithic period. Interestingly, artists do not use the common potter's wheel at all. They manually shape a mixture of serpentinite stone and black clay into different forms. After shaping, these are dried in shaded areas, and then under sunlight. These are then meticulously burnished to achieve a flawless finish. During this phase, craftsmen also punch holes for cane accents to be added later. The final products are bisque fired at 900°C for the distinct deep black hue, impressive durability and a metal-like sheen.

The proficient artisans produce a variety of artefacts, like chamkha and khoram (water pots), phampai (cooker), tengot (a kind of pot), and cups. These are not only captivatingly beautiful, but also revered as part of the cultural identity of Manipur.

Longpi pots and pans are devoid of any chemical additives and artificial paint. They can be used on gas stoves, open fires and even in ovens, adding to the versatility.

In 2020, the National Institute of Design commissioned a crafts documentation study to understand the economic aspects of Longpi black pottery. This published study showcased a Longpi black kettle with a cane handle sat on the cover.

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