Aheibam clan cherishes age-old profession
Source: The Sangai Express
Imphal, December 01 2021:
Since time immemorial, Aheibam clan has been playing a crucial role in Umang Lai Haraoba as materials and idols such as komai, khudeisen, kaosen and sarik used in the celebration are being made exclusively by the artisans of this clan even today.
One such artist is Aheibam Gopeshwar (40).It is believed that the surname of Aheibam was given to those who were in the profession of forging silver and metal wares during the time of Meidingu Loiyumba and christened the localities they resides as Aheibam Leikai.
Speaking to The Sangai Express, Aheibam Gop-eshwar, who is a craftsman at the Aheibam Art and Crafts Centre, Heirangoithong Aheibam Leirak, stated that he is in the profession of forging silver and metal wares for many years following the footsteps of his forefathers.
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Saying that the Aheibam clan has been supplying many materials required in Umang Lai Haraoba as a tradition even today, he added that forging komai (idols) is one such task that is done with utmost care and utmost sacredness.
The price of komai varies from Rs 5,000 to Rs 20,000 depending on the size, the artisan said and added that the life size idols of Lainingthou and Lairembi, however, are priced around Rs 4 lakh.
He also said the idols at Nongmaiching Hill and Wangoi were forged with brass and bronze at his workplace.
Aheibam Gopeshwar also forges utensils, agarbatti stands, bells, statues, ornaments, mementoes etc.
According to the artisan, figurines of Kanglasha and Sangai are being sold at around Rs 6000 to Rs 8000 per piece depending on the size while forging a memento costs around Rs 15,000.Aheibam Gopeshwar said that he procured the materials required in forging from a utensil shop.
Continuing that he normally earns upto Rs 30,000 per month, Gopeshwar informed that he works along with two other artisans.
If big projects come, then I usually employ additional workers, he said and added that forging a komai takes about 10 days on average.
He further stated that he hasn't taken any loan from the Government till date.
Gopeshwar is a recipient of many awards including Dr BR Ambedkar National Award 2014 and has participated in the Sangai Festival in 2016 and 2017.Many foreign Nationals including Americans and Japanese have bought wares from him.
Among his works, the most notables are the bust of Oja Chaoba of Maklang Junior High School, bell weighing nearly 50 kg of a Church located at Ukhrul and idol of Ibudhou Pakhangba installed and worshipped at Kangla etc.
Though the history of forging business could not be traced exactly, it is generally believed that the surname of Aheibam was given to the forgers during the time of Meidingu Loiyumba.