From the archive record
Bhutanese women are weaving neatly, skillfully and in a quick movement. These women are trained in the art of weaving and while they are weaving it seems extremely effortless especially with that smile on the face. Bhutan is renowned for its silk-on-silk textiles that carry sophisticated, embroidery-like patterns. ... Broadly, Bhutanese weaving can be split into two categories: Tsongtham, cloth woven for commercial purposes, and Hingtham, cloth woven for relatives and friends. Working on backstrap looms, weavers use a pick-up technique to create designs which are worn by both men and women in daily life. In Bhutan, the creation of cloth is considered a religious act and colour selection a spiritual exercise. It is thought that more than half of Bhutan’s population is actively involved in w