Traditional Crafts in Bhutan Himalayan Kingdom

Art & Craft Institute, Bhutanese Textiles, Gifts & Souvenirs Thimphu

Sep 27, 2009

From the capital to the most remote corners of the land, Bhutan's exquisite arts and crafts are a long standing tradition and integral part of daily life.

In the traditional Himalayan kingdom of Bhutan, arts and crafts are an expression of the Buddhist culture. Whether it’s for utilitarian or religious purposes, creating beautiful things is an act of worship, a way to celebrate the gifts of nature and earn merits.

Houses are decorated with auspicious signs, handlooms click on the doorsteps, men carve wooden bowls for the kitchen or paint giant icons for the temples. There’s always plenty to do, especially in the long winter months, when traditions can be carefully handed down from one generation to the next.

The most talented may perfect their skills in specialised schools but for farmers, builders, housewives or elders, embellishing the environment, even in a small way, is just as important as breathing the fresh mountain air.

There are two outstanding Arts and Crafts Institutes, one in Thimphu the capital, the other in Trashiyangtse in the East. Both cover the Thirteen Arts and Crafts defined centuries ago by the leader who unified the kingdom. They range from painting, weaving and embroidery, metal casting and gold and silver smithing to bamboo and leather work, paper making, masonry, carpentry, carving and sculpting.

All are flourishing but visitors to Arts and Crafts Institutes often linger in the painting section where artists create religious and historical scenes in pastel colours. Some canvasses are huge but there’s no hurry, only deep concentration and an air of meditation.

Bhutanese Textiles

The Textile Museum in Thimphu is a good introduction to weaving in Bhutan. Weaving is seen at its best in the national dress, worn by almost everyone, usually the work of women on a backstrap loom. Monks weave temple furnishings and costumes for religious dances.

The beauty and value of an item depends on the material, synthetics, cotton, wool or silk, and the number of extra wefts. Some garments enhanced with brocade can take months to complete.

The best weaving is found in the central valleys, such as the woollen cloth known as yathra, and in the East where additional warps and wefts create the illusion of pure embroidery. Most precious are the kira, or woman’s dress, from Lhuentse with muli-coloured silk on a white background.

Arts and crafts in the Himalayan kingdom are mostly produced for the home market, for daily or festival use, but there are plenty of retail outlets in Thimphu where tourists can select unique souvenirs and gifts. Popular items include gold and silver jewellery from Thimphu, wooden bowls from Trashiyangtse, carved masks, hand woven fabrics, prayer flags and temple ornaments.

Prices reflect the high quality of Bhutanese crafts. Souvenirs can be bought in the government run emporium, the weekend market or in small outlets such as Blue Poppy, in the Kawajangsa district, patronised by the Queen Mother.

The copyright of the article Traditional Crafts in Bhutan Himalayan Kingdom in Bhutan Travel is owned by Solange Hando. Permission to republish Traditional Crafts in Bhutan Himalayan Kingdom in print or online must be granted by the author in writing.