Workshop / training on bell metal utensils underway
Source: Chronicle News Service
Imphal, September 14 2023:
A 14-day-long workshop cum training on bell metal utensil making.
Which is being organised by the state directorate of handloom and textiles began from Thursday at Heirangoithong Aheibam Leikai, Imphal.
Handloom and textiles director E Jiten, Mutua Museum director Mutua Bahadur and bell metal master trainer Aheibam Gope attended the opening ceremony as chief guest, president and guest of honour respectively.
Speaking on the occasion, Jiten expressed concern over the dying crafts of the state and emphasised the need to promote not only such craftworks but also the items to conserve the heritage and traditions passed down the generations.
He also spoke on the importance of getting geographical indication for such rare crafts and necessity for quality products to get GI tag.
After Saphee Lanfee and Moirang Fee, initiatives are being taken up to get GI tag for Senga.
However, number of artisans making these products is the real question that lies ahead since without them the craft would disappear, he said.
Mutua Bahadur spoke on the division of labour in Meetei society and how the surname system came into existence from the system during the reign of King Loyumba.
He also emphasised the importance of promoting local crafts by displaying them at homes and offices, especially in the offices of key government leaders such as the CM and the Governor among others.
Master trainer Aheibam Gope said that visitors from outside the state took photos of the craft works and they often produce utensils of similar designs.
However, the quality of such cheap products is bad and no match to the products handmade through the traditional method.
Since making utensils is a time-consuming process, many artisans have stopped the practice over the years, which contributes to the present situation.
However, people from different parts of the world are now noticing the intricate designs and quality of indigenous products like Khujai, Chaisen, Tengkot, Kachchali, Tengkot with lid and Senga among others, he said and added that the new generation could take this opportunity to revive the dying crafts and at the same time make a living out of it.
Altogether 12 trainees are participating in the workshop.
Training kits were distributed to the trainees by the
chief guest.