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
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