Lone warrior preserving traditional applique art
Source: Chronicle News Service / Oinam Mission

Imphal, February 09 2022: Lourembam Bino (Padmashri), an 80-year-old woman, has been preserving the dying traditional applique art form of Manipur known as 'Phiribi/Liba' as a lone warrior.

Recognising her contribution in preserving the art form, the Government of India recently honoured her with Padmashri', the fourth highest civilian award of the country.

Bino began her journey the art form when she was 17 years old.

However, the art form is dying gradually in the absence of next generation artisans.

In such a situation, the ageing woman is doing her best to preserve the art form while worrying about its future.

In an exclusive interview with The People's Chronicle, Bino said that she is worried just thinking about the fate of the art form as the younger generations are no longer involved in it.

However, she is putting her best efforts to groom a new generation of artisans by providing training to some interested people in association with an NGO called Heritage Foundation of Mankind, she said.

Regarding her journey in this held, Bino recalled she got introduced to the art form by her late mother in-law Lourembam Ibetombi and continued the practice for decades.

Bino also informed that she had recreated flag of Maharaja Chandrakirti for Manipur State Kala Akademi and shoes of Maharaja Kullachandra for Kangla Museum few years ago.

She is now engaged in designing traditional items like Monmai (face of pillow cover), Luhon Phijil, Harao Phijil, Ningkham Samjil, Khudol Khongup and bedsheets.

Phiribi/Liba' is a complex art form and the only tools used are needle and scissor.

The scissor is used to cut designs and the design is stitched to the cloth by using needle.

The art form was very popularly during the times of several kings.

The court of kings used to have 'Phirihi Loishang' for designing costumes of kings and courtiers.

To her knowledge, there were 36 designs in use, she said.

She, however, expressed regret that the traditional art form is dying gradually and she cannot do much work now due to age factor.

Expressing desire to document her works before giving up the art entirely, Bino said she discussed the matter with former art and culture director Dr K Sobita and began research works few years back.

She is preparing to publish a book on the art form along with diagram with the hope of keeping the art form alive for the future generations, she said while drawing attention of the government towards preserving the art form.

When asked about her feelings on winning Padmashri, Bino said that she applied for president's award about two decades ago along with a complex design cloth but she could not win the award.

She felt disappointed and decided not to apply for any other national awards.

As for the Padmashri, her son insisted and he filed the application all by himself.

She feels satisfied on getting the award, she said.

Bino was born to Thokchom Mani and Ibemhal of Thokchom Leikai on March 1, 1944 .

She got married to late Lourembam Kunjabihari of Keishamthong Moirang Ningthou Leirak and they have one son and two daughters.

She is now living at her maternal home along with her children at Singjamei Mathak Thokchom Leikai.

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