Textile Museum
The Textile Museum

Collection

Collection Gallery

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Collections Gallery
Collections Gallery
Collections Gallery
Collections Gallery
Collections Gallery
Collections Gallery

A living cultural heritage, Thagzo’ or Weaving, is regarded as one of the thirteen traditional crafts collectively known as ‘Zorig-chu-sum’. Weaving is integral to Bhutanese traditional life; it’s significant role and the subsequent production of cloth has persuasive influence on many aspects of socio-cultural, economic, and political as well as ceremonial and religious life. Bhutanese weavers living within a wide range of agro-ecological conditions use fibers and dyes, all locally produced, to create a variety of fabrics. The Brokpas and Layaps inhabit the high altitude pastures in north east and northernmost regions of Bhutan, bordering Tibet and the Indian state of Arunachal Pradesh. These nomadic yak herders use the coarse outer hair and the soft undercoats of yaks to create various fabrics for their distinctive regional costumes and utilitarian textiles such as tents, bags, sacks which suitable for their nomadic lifestyles. In the lower subtropical altitudes Bura (raw silk), cotton and nettle fibers are used to produce textiles of exquisite artistry and durability. While there are commonalities in the techniques and patterns across the country, the regional and ethic differences enhance the richness of its textiles.