Textiles Tour
Textile weaving is one of Bhutan’s unique art forms
Using vibrant colours, patterns and techniques textile weaving is one of Bhutan’s unique art forms. It is also the only traditional art dominated by Bhutanese women which has been passed down generations.
Weaving is a home-based skill, practiced and honed by women using a back-strap loom. Most designs and patterns are inspired by nature and Buddhist themes.
Bhutan’s weaving tradition attracts collectors and scholars because of intricate patterning unique to Bhutan, all done on an ordinary back strap loom.
Textiles are a cultural storehouse and play a role in social and religious life. Not long ago, woven brocade were a measure of wealth and status. Even today, special weaves are worn on special occasions and functions to indicate social status.
A textile tour will take you across the country, starting from the emporiums in the capital where intricate weaves are displayed to the homes of the most celebrated weavers in the countryside. To a large extent the refinement in Bhutanese weaving is because of royal patronage in the past century.
Bhutanese weaves are today a symbol of Bhutan’s highly refined artistic heritage and have experienced a resurgence with continued patronage, recognition and competitions.