Source: The Sangai Express / Newmai News Network
Imphal, December 17 2008:
Wood-craft is his profession but making 'wooden hats' is his speciality.
Meet D Ramwi of Makui Thambaram Liangmai village, Senapati district, a village about 33 miles from Kangpokpi along the IT Road and one of the exhibitors at the ongoing HADO (Health and Development Organisation) Mela held at Hatta Kangjeibung in Imphal East.
Talking to NNN, D Ramwi hailing from Liangmai community, informed that he learnt wood crafting from the State of Nagaland after taking voluntary retirement from driving in 1976 as he wanted to be independent and hates working under somebody.
"I wanted to be my own master", he added.
And having learnt the art, he came back to his homeland Manipur in 1986 and began to utilise his talent.
Informing of his craft works, Ramwi stated that he started off with essential commodities like spoons and plates.
Then, he took to making juice machines, caps and hats including stylish hats what he called as 'cowboy caps' and has become one of his passion, added the veteran craftsman.
He also informed that these were made with the simple tools like hammer and the likes which were used commonly by any craftsman or carpenter.
Well known for his craftworks, Ramwi is also a person recognised by the National Board of Agricultural and Rural Development (NABARD) and under their guidance has started a school where he teaches the craft to the new generation.
Informing that there are about thirty youths in the school to learn the art of crafting, the veteran craftsman lamented that lack of financial help was making it hard for him to continue with the teaching.
He also lamented that only one of his four sons was ready to follow his footstep.
Nevertheless, detailing of how the things were made, Ramwi informed that a particular wood known as Magang-Sing in Liangmai dialect, which has no other uses, is either boiled or applied with dendrite gum until the glue penetrates into the wood.
The dendrite glue having penetrated into the wood or dried from the boiling, it is carved and crafted into whatever shape the craftsmen desired, Ramwi informed.
With an average of about 14 (fourteen) hats being made per month and sold for anything between Rs.500-1,000/, Ramwi stated that he could make more wooden caps and sell them at a cheaper rate if modern technology would be of any help to him.
And though, it is the source of livelihood to look after his four sons and two daughters, the veteran Liangmai craftsman informed that the business was doing well besides getting many orders from important customers and officials.
"I have sold many caps to officials and non-officials of the state besides good demands and order", stated the veteran craftsman proudly.
There are also demands from officials of the 14 and 26 Assam Rifles, said Ramwi.