Vintage phanek design re-discovered
Source: The Sangai Express
Imphal, March 01 2013:
Handloom woven Pumthit types of Phanek Mayek Naibi having its unique motifs and prints which disappeared since 200/300 years back was re-discovered during the thematic exhibition held at Mandalay, the former capital city of Myanmar from February 20 to 24 .
Mayanglambam Radhamani took part in the handloom and handicrafts exhibition under the sponsorship of the Ministry of Textiles through Manipur Handloom and Handicrafts Development Corporation.
Radhamani has been already conferred a national award for her research work on Manipuri phaneks including Phanek Mayek Naibi.
Speaking to media persons at the office of Manipur Handloom and Handicrafts Development Corporation today, Radhamani said that she participated in the exhibition and sold a good number of phanek mayek naibi.
The demand for Manipuri phaneks was so high that not a single piece was left with her when the exhibition was over.
One special design of phanek mayek naibi known as pumthit which was once worn by only queens and royal princesses were found at the exhibition.
Four torn and worn out pieces of this special phanek having unique motifs and designs were presented to Radhamani.
These phaneks were hand woven and its patterns and motifs were also made by hand.
An exact replica of this phanek would be produced soon and it would be handed over to the State Museum, Radhamani said.
Managing Director of the corporation W Nilamani said that 35 stalls from Manipur were opened at the exhibition while Myanmar had just five stalls.
Whatever merchandise taken from Manipur were all Rs sold out fetching around Rs 1.5 crore in total.
He said that Manipuri handloom and handicrafts products would be supplied up to Tamu.
Another grand exhibition complete with Manipuri cultural troupes is being planned at Mandalay either in September or October this year, Nilamani said.
On the other hand, taking serious of the sharp decline in manufacturing handloom products across the country, a national handloom consultation meet was held today at New Delhi with Union Textile Minister Anand Sharma.
The consultative attended by officials and handloom textile designers from across the country deliberated on marketing and export aspects of the country's handloom products.
Manipur was represented at the meeting by Principal Secretary (Commerce and Industries) O Nabakishore and designer Indira Chirom.