The Zorig Chusum School of Traditional Arts in Thimphu is a teaching institution where the arts and crafts of Bhutan are taught to the next generation of craftspeople.  The continuation of this important part of Bhutanese culture is therefore ensured.

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All signs in Bhutan are in English. Because there are many Bhutanese dialects,

English is taught in school and is the main language of communication.

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Learning woodcarving techniques requires time and infinite patience.

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Many sewing machines are used by the students to refine their embroidery techniques.

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Heavy-duty scissors are used to cut leather templates required to shape each piece of

embroidery and each colourful silk hanging.

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The school room was colourfully decorated with examples og the student’s work.

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Students in the painting class draw the outlines that will later be painted.

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Working with clay is an important part of creating idols used in Buddhist worship.

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Senior students create very complex and intricate statues.

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This piece appeared to have been damaged and sent to the school for repair.

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This finished piece is being painstakingly repaired.

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Most, if not all the crafts, have a five year apprenticeship.

Senior students, like these, have a desk of their own with good window light.

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Palettes are generally messy but intriguing and colourful things.

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These girls are happily working in close proximity to each other.

Perhaps they are not very far into their apprenticeship.

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Extreme concentration is evident in this photo.

Note the thimble – made simply from a piece of cardboard.

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The National Library and Archives of Bhutan is near the Crafts School.

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This lidded wooden bowl is intricately painted.

It depicts various aspects of Bhutanese culture and the environment.

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The institution stores many valuable manuscripts including these Bhuddist mantras.

Carefully wrapped in silk cloth, the parchments are held between outer wooden protective boards.

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Taking photographs of statues of the various Buddhist deities are forbidden in temples.

However, in the museum this was allowed.

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Although the protective glass caused annoying reflections,

the intricate detail of the statues could be seen.

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Scholars at the Craft school aim to be able to make intricate works of art like this one.

Some of the colourful and grotesque masks made for the tourist trade.

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Full-sized masks are used in many of the dances performed on festival days.

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It was good to experience some of this Bhutanese dancing and music.

More anon

David

Photography   Copyright  ©  David Young of jtdytravels

More of our travels stories and photographs can be found on

www.jtdytravels.com

and

www.jtlifesgood.wordpress.com

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