Thrue Tha or the horizontal frame loom was introduced in Bhutan in the twentieth century. It is said that a lady from the Royal Family sent a weaver to Tibet. As a result of the weaver’s research the loom along with the knowledge pertaining to its usage was introduced in Bhutan for the first time. The frame loom is used to produce woolen textiles such as Marthras, Yathras, Serthras, and Hothras.
In Bhutan, there is a special word to describe the long process of creating high-end textiles, ‘HINGTHAM’, which means “heart weaving”. This term embodies these textiles which come from the weavers’ hearts.
Yathra weaving is emblematic of the Bumthang region. Made of wool, it is embellished with patterns patiently woven into the fabric. Depending on the complexity of the patterns, it can take 4 to 12 days to complete a set of 2 panels, from which a tunic or a coat will be made.
Beautifully hand-woven, this fabric is usually worn at special events. It carries all the richness of Bhutan's textile culture.Only highly skilled weavers can weave such intricate pieces. It is a representation of a traditional Bhutanese textile known as “Sertha Metoh Chem”.
In Bhutan, Spirituality and Nature are intertwined, inseparable, one supporting the other. By its imposing majesty, nature looks at us in the most innermost part of our soul and gives endless inspiration.
Nature in its infinite generosity gives all the ingredients for creating beautiful and harmonious colour shades. The use of fresh leaves, flowers, bark, etc., provides one aspect of Bhutan’s natural dye secrets. Love and happiness give its final touch.
Bhutan is blessed with a rich and well-preserved flora. It is considered as a floral paradise for botanists, with over a hundred indigenous species and many others yet to be discovered.
Bhutan is blessed with a rich and well-preserved flora. It is considered as a floral paradise for botanists, with over a hundred indigenous species and many others yet to be discovered.
Each and every aspect of this hand-woven fabric is made by the dedicated hands of artisans. After a long process of carding and spinning with traditional tools and methods, the yarn is finally dyed with fresh natural ingredients foraged right from the weaver’s immediate surroundings, before being woven on a traditional back strap loom.
In Bhutan, nettle yarn was traditionally used for all sorts of bowstring, mats and long lasting ropes. This unique tablecloth collection was made from fresh natural ingredients picked from the weavers’ local area. The nettle fibre has been handspun into yarn using Bhutan’s ancestral methods.
An organic hand-spun, hand woven and natural dyed cotton weaves from eastern Bhutan. The farmers in Pemagatshel have preserved the age-old craft of growing cotton to earn a living from their crops.
Yathra weaving is emblematic of the Bumthang region. Made of wool, it is embellished with patterns patiently woven into the fabric. Depending on the complexity of the patterns, it can take 4 to 12 days to complete a set of 2 panels, from which a tunic or a coat will be made.
Bhutanese women master the use of color like a language; they express their feelings, joy, history by playing with different shades to give each piece its precious harmony.
'Bhutan Textiles’ is a collective of 20 textile companies in Bhutan that promotes the work of artisans and weavers throughout Bhutan. We support the values expressed through 'Gross National Happiness' principles, which aims to ensure the well-being of our people and the preservation of culture and nature. With this collection, we would like to share with you our special dedication to our country nestled in the heart of the Himalayas and the magnificent landscapes it grants us, contributing greatly to our sense of happiness and wholeness.
Using roughly textured materials, mineral colours and simple designs, this first chapter of the 'Collective Collection’ is inspired by the beauty of Bhutan’s landscapes and the spirit of the highland tribes, in far away remote regions.
Using roughly textured materials, mineral colours and simple designs, this first chapter of the 'Collective Collection’ is inspired by the beauty of Bhutan’s landscapes and the spirit of the highland tribes, in far away remote regions.
The force of nature is powerful and omnipresent, one can be isolated, yet fully connected to the rhythm of nature.
Due to its particular geology, Bhutan is blessed with a rich and well-preserved nature. It is considered as a floral paradise for botanists, with over hundred indigenous species and many others yet to be discovered.
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.
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.
As a result, Bhutan is the world's only carbon-negative country. Natural forests cover more than 80% of the country and 51% are protected, resulting in a very high biodiversity. As part of National Gross Happiness, nature & species conservation is part of the country constitution and all Bhutanese are formally held responsible to protect the environment.
'Bhutan Textiles’ is a collective of 20 textile companies in Bhutan that promotes the work of artisans and weavers throughout Bhutan. We support the values expressed through 'Gross National Happiness' principles, which aims to ensure the well being of our people and the preservation of culture and nature. With this collection, we would like to share with you our special dedication to our country nestled in the heart of the Himalayas and the magnificent landscapes it grants us, contributing greatly to our sense of happiness and wholeness.
You may find our complete collection on the M&O website: Click here (MOM)
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Please also contact us directly for more information at bhutantextiles2020@gmail.com