A Conversation with Lhamo: Keeper of Bhutanese Textile Traditions

Growing Up with Bhutanese Textile Heritage

Q: Can you share a bit about your background?

A: I grew up in the remote Eastern part of Bhutan, known as the origin of Bhutanese textiles. Because my mother is a weaver, I've always felt connected to these traditional crafts. In 2005, I moved to the city to study and work. Over the past 7 years, I've been working as a cultural tour guide, trekking guide, and travel planner for both foreigners and locals. I'm passionate about learning, especially about sustainable tourism and the textile trade.

I met Kathi and Nando when they visited Bhutan in 2023. While guiding them through our country's natural beauty and cultural heritage, Kathi expressed interest in our weavings. She immediately recognized the connection to her own work. This partnership has given me a wonderful opportunity to share our culture through textiles and support our community, especially the women artisans of Bhutan.

Learning the Ancient Art of Bhutanese Weaving

Q: How did you learn to weave, and what was that experience like?

A: I started learning when I was 10 years old. It's a tradition in our culture for mothers to pass down the knowledge to their daughters. There are no written instructions; it's all inherited wisdom transmitted orally from generation to generation.

I began with a backstrap loom, using my feet, which is more accessible for beginners. The learning curve was steep at first—I wasn't accustomed to the techniques. After months of practice, it became more natural. It's quite challenging for a 10-year-old, but that's integral to our culture and way of life.

The Intricate Process of Traditional Textile Creation

Q: Can you describe the weaving process? How long does it take to create different items?

A: The process begins with preparing and dyeing the material with plant-based dyes—washing it with vinegar, cooking it, drying it, and spinning it before it even touches the loom. We use various types of looms, including backstrap looms and horizontal looms. Typically, 10-12 steps are required to create a single pattern. It's an intricate process demanding exceptional concentration and skill.

Weaving a belt with complex designs, such as the Earth Wisdom Collection belts, can take 1-2 months. For more elaborate traditional pieces like the "Kishuthara" dress, worn for annual festivals and weddings, the process can span from 6 months to 2 years*, depending on the pattern complexity.

*Note: The Purple Golden Helix Long Sleeve Shirt and Purple Golden Helix Belt Wrap Pants feature the Kishuthara's precious, time-intensive pattern traditionally worn for annual festivals.

The Spiritual Significance of Bhutanese Textiles

Q: What about the Bhutanese weaving tradition and textiles do you appreciate the most?

A: Bhutanese weaving is considered a cultural "treasure" of our people. It's a symbol of our country's heritage and identity that has been preserved for centuries, passed down from grandmothers to mothers to daughters.

What I appreciate most is how our textiles are deeply connected to our spiritual beliefs. When you examine the patterns in our belts, you'll find they're all associated with spiritual wellness. The "Shinglo" or "Tree of Life" pattern represents longevity and good fortune. The "Endless Knots" symbolize how everything is connected and interlinked. The double thunderbolt pattern represents the indestructible power of Buddhism.

I also love how weaving brings our community together. Women often weave in groups, which helps us stay aligned and communicate. It's a source of self-employment for many women, helping support future generations.

Meditation Through Craftsmanship

Q: What makes weaving a spiritual practice in Bhutan?

A: Weaving is a form of meditation for us. It requires deep concentration and focus. We believe that the weavings carry the energy and intentions of the weaver. That's why maintaining positive thoughts and energy while weaving is essential.

We hold the belief that giving a belt as a gift strengthens your relationship with the recipient. It's considered a meaningful gift for friends or loved ones. The patterns and symbols in the weavings are believed to bring good fortune, protection, and other benefits to the wearer. There are prayers associated with certain weavings, both for the weavers and the wearers, although these are difficult to explain as they're deeply embedded in our culture.

Above is a sneak peek of new designs with sacred Bhutanese weavings. Coming early 2025.

Preserving Traditional Crafts in Modern Times

Challenges and Opportunities

Q: How is the weaving tradition evolving in modern times? Are there any challenges?

A: One of the main challenges we face is the threat of mechanization. However, we Bhutanese are committed to keeping the handwoven tradition alive. In our textile markets, most items remain handwoven, although some machine-made products are beginning to appear.

As a tour guide, I often conduct textile walks where I compare handwoven and machine-made textiles. People invariably find the handwoven pieces more beautiful and detailed. There are clear differences in quality and craftsmanship.

Kathi and I are particularly focused on preserving some of the rarer techniques, like nettle weaving (see below), which risks being lost because it's so time-intensive. Preserving these traditions for future generations is paramount to us.

Nettles are medicinal due to their bitterness, which helps ground the body and improve liver health. They also possess immense protective properties, having evolved to sting as a defense mechanism. The symbols handwoven on our new designs represent vibrations that protect the spine, align the chakras, and enhance consciousness.

The rare art of nettle weaving produces textiles with both protective and medicinal properties.

Experience Bhutan's Textile Traditions Firsthand

Q: Can you tell us about the upcoming retreat you're planning with Earth Wisdom Collection?

A: Yes, we're very excited about this! We've designed a retreat centered around textiles, scheduled for May 2025 to coincide with a traditional festival, offering participants a unique cultural experience. It's going to be truly authentic.

Supporting Women Artisans

From a small remote village to the big city and back to her origins, Lhamo has come to understand the value of preserving her Himalayan heritage.

Earth Wisdom Collection supports Lhamo's work in Bhutan by funding and sourcing embroideries directly from her. We're also partnering with Lhamo to establish an NGO focused on empowering marginalized women in her community—divorced, widowed, or single mothers—by providing education and fair wages. This enables them to weave from home and support their families.

By purchasing a Bhutanese belt, you're not just acquiring a beautiful accessory—you're connecting with Himalayan wisdom and supporting the next generation of artisans.

Your purchase directly supports Bhutanese women artisans and helps preserve their ancient craft

Join Us: The Himalayan Spirit Is Calling

May 2-10, 2025

We will be hosting a retreat in the enchanting Kingdom of Bhutan. It's an extraordinary, 9-day Earth Wisdom experience that will take you off the beaten path, immersing you in the heart of Himalayan culture.

Bring your spirit to the Cradle of Ancient Wisdom and receive new insights. Clear your path. Together, we will share our stories and gifts with Bhutan, make offerings, and in doing so, connect deeper and receive blessings.

This retreat is for curious-minded adventurers who want to:

• Engage with the simplicity and reverence of Bhutanese daily life and rituals
• Be guided by local communities, listen to their age-old stories and witness ancient traditions, passed down through the test of time
• Forage in the forest, collecting native herbs and plants, learning which plants to savor in nourishing meals, and which plants are used for pigmentation and textiles
• Discover the vibration of Bhutanese weavings, and how they offer protection and spiritual resonance
• Make sacred offerings and receive blessings and prayers from Buddhist masters
• Go deeper to engage with deities of the region's indigenous people
• Discover the prayer of chanting and dance

If you feel called to join us on this transformative journey to the Sky Kingdom, please contact us soon. Spaces are limited! Email us for more information or reserve your spot now.