Larnai black clay pottery, hand-crafted using locally sourced black clay and serpentine stone, is a traditional art form from Meghalaya. Known for its unique designs, it reflects the rich cultural heritage of the region.
The art of making pottery is a cherished tradition in Meghalaya. This craft uses a unique combination of black clay mixed with serpentine stone, giving the pottery its distinctive look.
Passed down through generations, the techniques used in creating these pots are equally important to their beauty. What sets Larnai black pottery apart is the special materials and the time-honored methods employed by artisans, making each piece a remarkable work of art.
Unlike traditional pottery-making, which typically uses a wheel to shape the clay, Larnai pottery is crafted entirely by hand. The potters place the clay on a flat surface, usually a wooden plank, and skillfully mould it using only their hands. This method allows for precision and artistry that makes each piece truly one-of-a-kind.
Today, only a few surviving members of the Pyrtuh clan still practice this ancient art form, keeping the legacy of their ancestors alive.
The process of making Larnai pottery begins with preparing the clay. First, cowhide is used to help soften the clay, which is then mixed with serpentine stone and black clay – an ingredient found only in the Sung Valley.
Once properly mixed, the clay is hand-pounded with a pestle until it achieves the right consistency. When the clay becomes sticky, it is kneaded into a dough-like texture.
Next, the potter shapes the clay by hand, molding it into its desired form. A pot, for example. After the pot is given its final shape, it is left to dry for two to three days. Once fully dried, the pot is baked in a furnace until it turns a fiery red colour.
After baking, the pot is carefully removed from the furnace and coated with a liquid derived from the bark of the Sohliya tree, using a traditional Ynru brush. This finishing touch gives the pottery its distinctive sheen and final form.
The art of Larnai pottery has been passed down by the potters of the Pyrtuh clan, who originally hailed from Samynting village. The clan settled in the Sung Valley, where they first began crafting pottery. However, after a flu epidemic struck the area, the clan migrated to the hills of Larnai, where they continued their pottery-making traditions.
Today, only a few surviving members of the Pyrtuh clan still practice this ancient art form, keeping the legacy of their ancestors alive.
To preserve and promote this traditional craft, a group of women from the Larnai village established the Seng Kynthei Pyrtuh Pottery organisation in 1983. Registered with the state government, the organisation currently has 32 members, representing the Pyrtuh, Warlarpih, and Shadap clans.
Through their collective efforts, they continue to keep the art of Larnai pottery alive, passing it down to future generations. Despite their dedication, the women of the Seng Kynthei Pyrtuh Pottery organisation face several challenges.
One of their biggest struggles is promoting and selling their pottery, as demand remains low. As more women from the region join the organisation, generating sufficient revenue has become increasingly difficult.
The lack of electricity in their workspace also poses a significant challenge, making it hard to work after sundown, especially during the cold winter months. Despite these hardships, the women of Larnai continue to persevere, hoping that the government will soon respond to their appeal and provide the support needed to sustain this ancient craft.
The thumbnail shows Larnai black clay pottery cups.
