Shaphee Lanphee

Saphee Lanphee was, in the past, presented as a gift of honour (Mana Phee) to the soldiers for their bravery in a successful war, and to the praise-worthy chiefs of the†Nagas†of Manipur by the king of Manipur. It is a product which is protected under the†GI registration†and is now made throughout the†Indian state†of†Manipur. The motifs embroidered on the fabric consists of several designs, and some of the common designs adopted are: of animals such as “shamu” (elephant), “shagol” (horse), “iroichi” (buffalo horn), “wahong” (peacock), and “Nga” (fish); planets such as “numit” (sun), tha (moon); Thawanmichak (star) ; and also phantup (magical seat, ta (spear) ñ these designs are done in a set pattern and sequence of operation. The embroidery is done by hand using needle.