Machihan Sasa
Machihan Sasa | |
|---|---|
| Born | (1950-04-01) 1 April 1950 Longpi Kajui, Ukhrul district, Manipur, India |
| Occupation | Traditional artisan |
| Known for | Longpi Hampai (Blackstone pottery) |
| Awards | Padma Shri (2024) |
Machihan Sasa (born 1 April 1950) is an Indian traditional artisan from Longpi Kajui village in Ukhrul district, Manipur. He practices the Tangkhul Naga craft of blackstone pottery, locally known as Longpi Hampai.[1][2][3] In 2024, he was awarded the Padma Shri, India's fourth-highest civilian award, in recognition of his contribution to traditional arts.[4][5][6][7]
Early life and background
Machihan Sasa was born in Longpi Kajui, a Tangkhul Naga village historically associated with the production of blackstone pottery.[1] The craft of Longpi Hampai involves the preparation of a paste made from ground black serpentine stone and a specific variety of brown clay known locally as Ham-Ngalei. Unlike most pottery traditions, it is shaped manually without the use of a potter’s wheel.[1][8]
He acquired the knowledge of the craft from his father during childhood.[1]
Career
Sasa has been engaged in the practice and development of Longpi blackstone pottery for several decades.[1] He introduced utilitarian and decorative objects such as tea sets, kettles, bowls, water mugs, vases, flower pots, dining plates and cooking vessels.[1][9]
He has trained young artisans in the region, and several of his trainees have received State and National Awards.[1]
He has participated in national and international craft exhibitions representing Longpi pottery.[1]
Awards and honours
- All India Handicrafts Week (1979)[1]
- State Award (1986)[1]
- National Award (1988)[1]
- King Mela Medal (1997)[1]
- Shilp Guru Award (2008)[1]
- Padma Shri (2024)[1]
References
- ^ a b c d e f g h i j k l m n "Padma Shri Award Citation – Machihan Sasa" (PDF). Ministry of Home Affairs, Government of India. Retrieved 12 February 2026.
- ^ "Ukhrul artisan Machihan Sasa receives Padma Shri". The Sangai Express. 28 January 2024. Retrieved 12 February 2026.
- ^ "Machihan Sasa honoured with Padma Shri". E-Pao. 27 January 2024. Retrieved 12 February 2026.
- ^ "Manipur's Machihan Sasa among Padma Shri awardees". The Assam Tribune. 26 January 2024. Retrieved 12 February 2026.
- ^ "Ukhrul's Longpi pottery artisan conferred Padma Shri". India Today NE. 26 January 2024. Retrieved 12 February 2026.
- ^ "Manipuri artisan Machihan Sasa receives Padma Shri". Sentinel Assam. 27 January 2024. Retrieved 12 February 2026.
- ^ "Longpi pottery artisan Machihan Sasa awarded Padma Shri". NorthEast Today. 26 January 2024. Retrieved 12 February 2026.
- ^ "Change of art: See how three unusual Indian crafts are getting a reboot". Hindustan Times. 27 January 2024. Retrieved 12 February 2026.
- ^ "Want to teach black pottery to more youths: Machihan Sasa". The Indian Express. 27 January 2024. Retrieved 12 February 2026.