Lorrine11I at 19:14, 12 February 2026

2026-02-12T19:14:05Z

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{{Infobox person
| name = Machihan Sasa
| birth_date = 1 April 1950
| birth_place = 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''.<ref name="padma">{{cite web |title=Padma Shri Award Citation – Machihan Sasa |url=https://www.padmaawards.gov.in/Document/pdf/CitationsForTickets/2024/2024108.pdf |publisher=Ministry of Home Affairs, Government of India |access-date=12 February 2026}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |title=Ukhrul artisan Machihan Sasa receives Padma Shri |work=The Sangai Express |date=28 January 2024 |url=https://www.thesangaiexpress.com/Encyc/2024/1/28/Mungchan-Zimik-PTIUkhrul-Jan-27-Machi-han-Sasa-a-renowned-Tang-khul-craftsman-who-promotes-and-preserve.html |access-date=12 February 2026}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |title=Machihan Sasa honoured with Padma Shri |work=E-Pao |date=27 January 2024 |url=https://e-pao.net/epSubPageExtractor.asp?src=news_section.Top_Stories.Top_Stories_2024.Machihan_Sasa_Nungbi_potter_honoured_with_Padma_Shri |access-date=12 February 2026}}</ref> In 2024, he was awarded the [[Padma Shri]], India's fourth-highest civilian award, in recognition of his contribution to traditional arts.<ref>{{cite news |title=Manipur’s Machihan Sasa among Padma Shri awardees |work=The Assam Tribune |date=26 January 2024 |url=https://assamtribune.com/north-east/manipurs-machihan-sasa-named-among-110-padma-shri-awardees-1517220 |access-date=12 February 2026}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |title=Ukhrul's Longpi pottery artisan conferred Padma Shri |work=India Today NE |date=26 January 2024 |url=https://www.indiatodayne.in/manipur/story/manipur-ukhruls-machihan-sasa-conferred-padma-shri-for-longpi-pottery-expertise-794524-2024-01-26 |access-date=12 February 2026}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |title=Manipuri artisan Machihan Sasa receives Padma Shri |work=Sentinel Assam |date=27 January 2024 |url=https://www.sentinelassam.com/north-east-india-news/manipur/manipur-manipurs-longpi-pottery-of-ukhrul-shines-with-national-recognition |access-date=12 February 2026}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |title=Longpi pottery artisan Machihan Sasa awarded Padma Shri |work=NorthEast Today |date=26 January 2024 |url=https://northeasttoday.in/northeast/manipurs-machihan-sasa-receives-padma-shri-award-for-longpi-pottery-revitalization-efforts |access-date=12 February 2026}}</ref>

== Early life and background ==
Machihan Sasa was born in Longpi Kajui, a Tangkhul Naga village historically associated with the production of blackstone pottery.<ref name="padma" /> 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]].<ref name="padma" /><ref>{{cite news |title=Change of art: See how three unusual Indian crafts are getting a reboot |work=Hindustan Times |date=27 January 2024 |url=https://www.hindustantimes.com/lifestyle/brunch/change-of-art-see-how-three-unusual-indian-crafts-are-getting-a-reboot-101743108136563.html |access-date=12 February 2026}}</ref>

He acquired the knowledge of the craft from his father during childhood.<ref name="padma" />

== Career ==
Sasa has been engaged in the practice and development of Longpi blackstone pottery for several decades.<ref name="padma" /> He introduced utilitarian and decorative objects such as tea sets, kettles, bowls, water mugs, vases, flower pots, dining plates and cooking vessels.<ref name="padma" /><ref>{{cite news |title=Want to teach black pottery to more youths: Machihan Sasa|work=The Indian Express |date=27 January 2024 |url=http://m.timesofindia.com/articleshow/107196967.cms?utm_source=contentofinterest&utm_medium=text&utm_campaign=cppst |access-date=12 February 2026}}</ref>

He has trained young artisans in the region, and several of his trainees have received State and National Awards.<ref name="padma" />

He has participated in national and international craft exhibitions representing Longpi pottery.<ref name="padma" />

== Awards and honours ==
* ''All India Handicrafts Week'' (1979)<ref name="padma" />
* ''State Award'' (1986)<ref name="padma" />
* ''National Award'' (1988)<ref name="padma" />
* ''King Mela Medal'' (1997)<ref name="padma" />
* ''Shilp Guru Award'' (2008)<ref name="padma" />
* ''[[Padma Shri]]'' (2024)<ref name="padma" />

== References ==
{{reflist}}

{{Padma Shri Award Recipients in Art}}
{{DEFAULTSORT:Sasa, Machihan}}
[[Category:1950 births]]
[[Category:Living people]]
[[Category:Recipients of the Padma Shri in arts]]
[[Category:Indian artisans]]
[[Category:Indian potters]]
[[Category:Artists from Manipur]]
[[Category:People from Ukhrul district]]

Machihan Sasa - Revision history

Lorrine11I at 19:14, 12 February 2026