Participants in the metal crafts workshop. Telegraph picture

Imphal, Feb. 4: Only a handful of people know that the magnificent metal bangles, bracelets, giant earrings and other ornaments worn by various ethnic communities of Manipur like the Nagas and Kukis are mostly made in Imphal.

Fewer people know that this ancient craft is on the verge of extinction and that the only hope of keeping it alive in Manipur is a 58-year-old woman from Imphal city, Keisham Indu.

Indu, a resident of Keishampat here has been involved with the craft ever since she was married at the age of 18.

“I am the only craftsperson working on tribal ornaments in the state. This art could be extinct after my death, unless, of course, someone takes up the art,” Indu said. But she is hopeful that others will continue the tradition after she is gone.

Indu is one of 32 participants at a 10-day demonstration-cum-creative workshop on metal crafts traditions of Manipur.

The workshop has been organised by Tribal Museum and Research Centre, Sagolband, at its complex and is funded by the National Museum of Mankind, Bhopal.

The workshop, aimed at popularising, promoting and preserving vanishing metal crafts of Manipur, will conclude on February 6 with beautiful models walking the ramp wearing the metal ornaments created at the workshop.

“The main idea behind the workshop is to promote the crafts, create new designs and preserve ancient traditional ornaments, weapons, instruments and utensils, among others. Only a few are still working on the crafts,” Yumnam Gyaneshwar, director of the tribal museum, said.

“People from Nagaland, Arunachal Pradesh and the hills of Manipur come to me for their traditional ornaments and utensils. The prices of the products range from Rs 50 to Rs 7,000. Our elders said the tribals visited Imphal for these items since ancient times,” Indu said.

She was concerned that no other craftsperson was engaged in making these items in Manipur. “I am joining the workshop to train young craftspersons. If anyone could continue the craft after I am gone it would benefit the state and the indigenous population,” Indu said. She is training four to five youngsters at the workshop.

Gyneshwar said in ancient times Konyaks from Mon district of Nagaland came down to Imphal on foot for such ornaments. They walked three days to reach the city.

“I am hoping to learn enough to succeed ima (mother) Indu,” one of the trainees at the workshop said.

Artisans of seven traditional crafts are taking part in the workshop. These include making of brass utensils, musical instruments, silver ornaments, jewellery and kajenglei (a girl’s traditional headgear), which is still used during weddings, lai haraoba and other rituals.

The organisers provide the materials, travel allowances and also allow the participants to take the products home after the workshop is over. Expert craftspersons also give the participants tips on new designs.