International Journal For Multidisciplinary Research

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A Widely Indexed Open Access Peer Reviewed Multidisciplinary Bi-monthly Scholarly International Journal

Call for Paper Volume 7, Issue 4 (July-August 2025) Submit your research before last 3 days of August to publish your research paper in the issue of July-August.

Preserving Indigenous Craftsmanship: A Study of Larnai Pottery in West Jaintia Hills District, Meghalaya

Author(s) Dr. Treemmi Lamare
Country India
Abstract This article explores the traditional craft of pottery-making in Larnai village, located in the West Jaintia Hills district of Meghalaya, as a vibrant and living indigenous knowledge system. Rooted in the matrilineal traditions of the Jaintia community, this women-led craft represents a harmonious integration of ecological sensitivity, spiritual belief, and communal identity. The artilce aims to document the ecological, cultural, and ritualistic dimensions embedded within the practice, while also interrogating the socio-economic constraints and policy gaps that threaten its continuity in the face of industrialisation and modernisation.
Employing a mixed-methods approach, the study draws from various discipline to provide a comprehensive understanding of the craft’s significance in the broader discourse on sustainability, gendered labour, and cultural preservation. The qualitative findings are complemented by empirical data on market access, intergenerational knowledge transfer, and livelihood patterns, offering a nuanced view of the challenges and prospects faced by the craftswomen of Larnai. Despite the decline in popularity and economic viability, the study reveals that the craft holds considerable potential for revival through well-targeted policy support, community-led cultural tourism, and the integration of indigenous practices into heritage education and vocational training. In doing so, the article not only contributes to the preservation of an intangible cultural heritage but also advocates for its recognition as a viable and sustainable model of rural development.
Keywords Larnai pottery, indigenous knowledge, cultural heritage, women-led craft, sustainable rural development.
Field Sociology > Politics
Published In Volume 7, Issue 4, July-August 2025
Published On 2025-07-28
DOI https://doi.org/10.36948/ijfmr.2025.v07i04.52480
Short DOI https://doi.org/g9vpmv

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