Master Longpi Black Stone Pottery Workshop & Tangkhul Village Feast
A 4th-generation artisan from Longpi (Nungbi) village, Master Shimray has trained over 100 apprentice potters in the ancient technique of moulding weathered serpentine rock without wheels.
Experience Overview
Longpi pottery (Loree Ham) is one of the world’s most unique ceramic crafts: no potter’s wheel is used. In this hands-on workshop in picturesque Longpi village, you will crush serpentine stone, blend it with black clay, shape your own teacup or bowl using wooden mallets and woven cane molds, and watch the smoke-rubbing burnishing process with local Machi leaves that gives it an iconic metallic sheen.
What You Will Do
Arrival & Village Welcome at Longpi
Traditional welcoming sip of mountain tea and introduction to Tangkhul stonecraft history.
Mineral Preparation & Clay Blending
Learn the exact 1:1 ratio of crushed serpentine rock and weathered clay from riverbanks.
Hands-on Sculpting & Moulding Session
Shape your own traditional tumbler or serving bowl guided step-by-step by Master Shimray.
Tangkhul Mountain Lunch
Hearty organic meal featuring mountain black rice, smoked pork or smoked mushroom stew, and wild herbs.
Burnishing, Kiln Secrets & Take-Home Keepsake
Learn leaf-polishing technique and receive a pre-fired finished Longpi mug to take home.
What is Included
- All pottery clay and minerals for sculpting
- One authentic pre-fired Longpi stoneware keepsake
- Full Tangkhul home-cooked lunch with drinks
- Guided artisan instruction
What is Not Included
- •Private transport from Ukhrul town center to Longpi village (37 km)
Meeting Point & Directions
Longpi Khullen Community Craft Hall
Longpi Khullen Village, Ukhrul District, Manipur 795142
Directions: Host will meet you right outside the Baptist Church gate in Longpi Khullen.
What to Bring
Traveler Reviews
"The drive from Imphal to Ukhrul was stunning, but learning the coil technique from Master Shimray was the highlight of our trip. The black mug I made sits on my desk today!"