Alun Mangte

Alun Mangte is a renowned artist from Manipur known for his mastery of Longpi pottery, an ancient and distinctive craft originating from the Tangkhul Naga community in the Ukhrul district. Often referred to as black pottery or black serpentinite pottery, this unique art form is traditionally practiced without the use of a potter's wheel; instead, artisans expertly shape the vessels entirely by hand using a specialized mixture of local brown clay and crushed black serpentine stone. Renowned for creating some of the most exclusive and exceptional pieces in black pottery, his work features a distinctive metallic sheen, rustic charm, and minimalist aesthetic. Longpi pottery is fired in traditional bonfires and polished with specific leaves rather than glazed, resulting in durable, eco-friendly cookware that safely retains heat and celebrates Northeast India's rich indigenous heritage.