Phingaruk continues to symbolise Maring craftsmanship

By Our Staff Reporter
IMPHAL, Dec 27 : Transcending barriers of language and ethnicity, Phingaruk, a ceremonial basket woven from cane and bamboo by the Maring tribe, holds significant cultural and symbolic value in Manipur, known for its rich culture.
Traditionally crafted by the Maring tribe, Phingaruk which comes in different sizes serves not only as an essential part of Meitei marriage ceremonies but also as a symbol of unity and connection among the diverse communities of the State.
Phingaruk is made using intricate weaving techniques passed down through generations within the Maring tribe and its weaving involves the use of locally sourced cane and bamboo, which are carefully selected for their strength and flexibility.
Speaking to The Sangai Express, MK Angkha Ma-ring, an craftsman from Khudei Khullen in Teng-noupal, said that weaving items from cane and bamboo has been a source of livelihood for the Maring tribe since ancient times.
He continued that many Maring people still craft a variety of items for household use, agriculture, fish- ing, and ceremonial purposes from cane and bamboo such as "thumok" for holding items, "yangkok" for winnowing rice, "sam" for carrying goods, "longup" and "long" for fishing, and mats among others.
Saying that Phingaruk and Phiruk play an integral role in Meitei weddings, he added that the names Phingaruk and Phiruk are derived from the traditional dresses of Maring women.
He also said that these ceremonial baskets are exclusively crafted by Maring men from Khudei Khullen.
Angkha further said Phingaruk and Phiruk were used to hold precious items such as new clothes and jewellery like a wardrobe in the past.
Saying that weaving Phingaruk and Phiruk  requires precision and is time-consuming, he added that the price of the two ceremonial baskets is nearly the same, costing over Rs 3,000 with some selling for up to Rs 4,000 per unit.
He said that they sell the ceremonial baskets at Pallel Keithel, Kakching Keithel and Imphal.
Saikhom Shyamkishore, a resident of Soibam Leikai who work as an arangpham (a professional who coordinates rituals in Meitei religious ceremonies), stated that Phingaruk and Phiruk are essential and indispensable in uniting two individuals in matrimony in Meitei tradition.
He said the practice of modifying Phingaruk and Phiruk by adding other decorative pieces, however, is unfortunate, as it alters the authenticity and traditional significance of these ceremonial baskets.
Phingaruk and Phiruk are not only functional objects but also symbols of unity and tradition, he added.