Pung Making Craft
Musical Instrument
History
The Manipuri Pung, also known as Meitei Pung or Nata-Pung, originates from Manipur and is central to Nat Sankirtana performances. It is a type of Mridanga, deeply rooted in the region’s spiritual and cultural traditions. Integral to the 'Three Trinities of Arts'—Geetang (singing), Badyang (instrumental music), and Nrityang (dance)—the Pung embodies divine harmony. Traditionally handcrafted, its rhythmic beats are essential to Manipuri rituals, symbolizing devotion and artistic expression in the sacred performances of Hari Sankirtan.
Raw Materials and Tools
The Pung is made from hollow wood, leather from cows, buffaloes, or oxen, iron powder, boiled rice, and brass or steel-coated rings. Tools include carving knives for shaping wood, leather-cutting tools, and straps for securing the drumheads. Red woolen straps (Pungli) and decorative cloth (Pungyom Phi) complete the instrument.
Process
The Pung is crafted from a hollow wooden body with a smooth or rough interior. The drumheads, Pung Maru and Pung Manao, are made of two layers of leather, secured with leather straps called Sawun Maree. A mixture of iron powder and boiled rice (Kaap) is applied to the inner membrane for tuning. The body is painted black, fitted with brass or steel-coated rings (Khudop), and wrapped in a white cloth (Pung Mabuk Yomnaba Phi).
Design and Color
The Pung has a spindle-shaped wooden body, painted black on the exterior. It features two drumheads—Pung Maru (larger) and Pung Manao (smaller)—secured with leather straps. A white cotton cloth (Pung Mabuk Yomnaba Phi) wraps around the body, while brass or steel-coated rings (Khudop) adorn the edges. A red woolen strap (Pungli) suspends it horizontally, and an additional cloth (Pungyom Phi) covers the entire instrument.
Product Range
Pung