A brand working collectively, promoting the finest sustainable quality handmade weaves from Bhutan, aspiring using only natural fiber and natural dyes.
Weaving is deeply rooted in the Bhutanese culture which considers it as an ‘art of living’, bringing balance and peace into the weaver’s heart. Usually, women learn weaving skills during their childhood as an essential aspect of their education. The textile sector is an important employment provider in Bhutan largely represented by women, who everyday weave the social link around textiles. The transmission of knowledge from mother to daughter is not only focused on weaving, but mothers also encourage a collective commitment to preserving their Bhutanese lifestyle, culture and environment.
Even today, Bhutanese weavers still use traditional methods and tools. These methods certainly take more time, but they also give much more unique and authentic results. Even before starting to weave, it takes between 4 to 5 days of preparation to prepare the yarn, spin it, dye it, put it on bobbins, and then set up the warp.
In Bhutan, there is a special word to describe the long process of creating high-end textiles, ‘HINGTHAM’, which means “weaving with the heart”. This term embodies these textiles which come from the weavers’ hearts. Textiles accompany Bhutanese people throughout their lives, from their cradle to their grave. Textiles serve as a non-verbal means of communication, expressing identity, aspiration, dreams and visions. Textiles tell stories about the past and the present, art and spirituality, about femininity and masculinity, creativity and tradition.
By creating and weaving in a repetitive rhythm the weavers find a deep meditative connection to self-harmony and balance .
Nature in its infinite generosity gives all the ingredients for creating beautiful and harmonious colour shades. The weavers have long since discovered the tinctorial potential of this natural richness. Using the incredible diversity of plants is a sacred art, mastered by women all around the country. Each family has its own treasurable recipes preserved and passed on in strictest secrecy from generation to generation.
The use of fresh leaves, flowers, bark, provides one aspect of Bhutan’s natural dye secrets. Love and happiness give its final touch. Nature being impermanent, every product will vary according to the season, to the type of soil, to the amount of sun or rain that it received. Each piece of textile dyed with natural dyes will therefore have its unique story and personality. .
Respecting and preserving nature is an important pillar of Bhutan values. Buddhism practiced in Bhutan believes in the interdependence of all things, and conservation of nature is a necessity for maintaining this balance not only for nature’s sake, but also for Human health.