Ukhrul: In a momentous recognition of cultural preservation, Machihan Sasa, dubbed as the ‘Earthen Alchemist,’ has been conferred with the prestigious Padma Shri award for his unparalleled commitment to safeguarding and revitalizing the ancient Longpi (Nungbi) Pottery tradition. The award, bestowed by the Government of India, highlights Machihan Sasa’s remarkable contributions to the Neolithic-era craft, which has its roots dating back to 10,000 BC.
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Machihan Sasa, a native of Longpi Kajui village in Manipur State’s Ukhrul district has spent five decades preserving the rare Longpi Pottery form. This distinctive craft employs black serpentine stone and brown clay without the use of a potter’s wheel, making it a unique and cherished tradition. Born on April 10, 1950, Sasa emerged as a pioneer in black stone pottery, contributing significantly to the cultural heritage of Manipur.
The Padma Shri award, announced on the eve of the 75th Republic Day celebrations, acknowledges Machihan Sasa’s dedication to not only preserving but also breathing fresh life into the Longpi Pottery tradition. His creative approach involves crafting, marketing, and exhibiting a diverse range of Longpi Pottery products, including cooking pots and teacups.
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What sets Longpi Pottery apart is not just its artistic value but also its culinary benefits. The combination of ground black serpentine stone and a special brown clay found exclusively in Longpi enhances the taste of food and exhibits non-stick qualities. Machihan Sasa’s expertise in this craft extends beyond local acclaim to national and international recognition.
The Padma Shri awards, India’s fourth-highest civilian honors, recognises exceptional contributions across various fields. The awards are conferred by the President of India at a traditional function held at Rashtrapati Bhawan in March or April.
For Machihan Sasa, this recognition is a culmination of a lifelong dedication to preserving cultural heritage, promoting traditional crafts, and contributing significantly to the socio-economic fabric of his community, a tradition now carried by his own family.
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It is worth noting that Guru Rewben Mashangva, who is also from Ukhrul, known as the father of Naga Folk Blues was honoured with the prestigious Padma Shri award in 2021 for his distinguished service in Arts by President Ram Nath Kovind at Rashtrapati Bhavan today.
About Machihan Sasa:
Machihan Sasa, renowned as the ‘Earthen Alchemist,’ is a visionary artisan from Nungbi village, Ukhrul, Manipur. Born in a region steeped in agriculture, Sasa’s journey began at the age of 20 when he embraced the ancient art of pottery under his father’s guidance. Since 1970, he has revolutionized black stone pottery, defying tradition with an innovative approach. Beyond his artistic mastery, Sasa’s impact resonates in the community, having trained over 300 individuals, reviving the fading art form and providing a sustainable livelihood for villagers. His accolades include national and state awards, culminating in the prestigious Shilp Guru Award in 2010. Sasa’s legacy transcends pottery, embodying a cultural guardian fostering heritage preservation and socio-economic empowerment.
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