Majuli Ancient Pottery Faces Extinction From Erosion

The traditional Kumhar community in Salmora village on Majuli island is struggling to save a rare Neolithic hand-molding pottery technique. Unlike regular pottery made with a wheel known as chak, the women of Salmora shape their vessels completely by hand. They use wooden beaters called pitoni and smooth stones known as kundi.

Unique Craft Facing Severe Danger

This ancient craft depends on Kumar Mati, which is a special and very fine alluvial clay. Potters get this clay manually from deep underwater pits along the Brahmaputra riverbed. Continuous riverbank erosion, shifting river dynamics, and embankment construction have made getting this clay very dangerous and difficult.

Economic Struggles And Youth Leaving The Craft

Local potters now have to travel many kilometers upstream by country boats to find usable clay. This extra travel has raised production costs and hurt their fragile economy. Because getting silt is dangerous and cheap plastic items are flooding the market, younger generations are leaving the craft.