Thongjao village, Manipur

Thongjao village in Manipur is known as the 'Land of Pottery'. Male dominated traditions have prevented women for centuries from becoming potters in India, since traditionally they are not allowed to spin the potter’s wheel. Neelmani Devi however overcame this traditional taboo in the most original manner by replacing the potter’s wheel, with herself - spinning around the clay constantly, shaping it into a pot with her hands!