Bamboo and Cane for Fishing, Spiritual Practices and Shamanic Rituals
Angom Angou Singh, a 74-year-old resident of Phayeng Nongpok Leikai, Manipur, has been crafting local bamboo and cane products since the age of 38, making it his sole profession
Angom Angou Singh, a 74-year-old resident of Phayeng Nongpok Leikai, Manipur, has been crafting local bamboo and cane products since the age of 38, making it his sole profession
Among his creations are essential household items like long, tungon, kharai, polang, sangpai, Lu, Kot, etc., which serve purposes such as storing rice and catching fish and other household related items.
Notably, crafting “the Long” in the picture, used for catching fish is a meticulous process taking 2 to 3 days, with hands skillfully shaping bamboo varieties like Liwaa, Unal, Longwaa, Wakwaa. It costs about 400 to 500 rupees. Beyond its utilitarian function, “the Long” holds cultural significance, serving as a crucial item for shamanic rituals and spiritual practices within the community.
Today, only a handful of individuals in Phayeng continue this traditional craftsmanship, primarily older individuals, both male and female, who typically remain in their homes. The dwindling number of artisans underscores the need to preserve these skills and traditions for future generations.
