Meghalaya Lyrnai Pottery
DownloadMeghalaya Lyrnai Pottery, a 1000-year-old handicraft from the state of hills, Meghalaya. Popularly known as Black Clay Pottery across nations, and locally as Khiew Ranei. The women of Lyrnai (and nearby Tyrshang) villages are the primary artisans of this traditional black clay pottery. These women artisans are talented, knowledgeable, and accomplished; their creations are admirable. This handicraft received a Geographical Indication (GI) tag following registration in 2014. Its uniqueness, cultural history, and centuries-old ceramic traditions are all protected by this prestigious title. It also honours the women of Larnai village for their remarkable craftsmanship and creativity. This craft stands out for its unique appearance, techniques, and artistry. Let’s read why it differs from other forms of clay pottery:
Role of Women: The women of Lyrnai collect black clay from the Sun Valley and locally available serpentine stone by hand. The strength and distinctive black colour of the pottery come primarily from the serpentine stone.
Magic of Hand: The pottery is shaped entirely by hand with minimal tools. Techniques like coil building and slab building are used (no pottery wheel is involved in the process).
Firing, Finishing, and Polishing: The shaped clay is fired in an open-air setting. After firing, each piece is polished using a mixture of cold water and sun tree bark to give it its distinctive gloss. By using this age-old technique, chemical glazes are avoided, maintaining its authenticity and environmental friendliness.
Uses and Importance: The primary products of Larnai ceramics are tableware (such as kulhads and other vessels) and cookware (such as pots and shallow pans). In addition to being useful, these handicrafts have cultural value. They are sustainable, made from natural resources, have a long history, and make great substitutes for plastic products. They are also beautiful pieces of art that celebrate the talent and tenacity of Meghalayan women.
