Karma Seldon, a weaver like no other, has been crafting intricate kishutharas for nearly two decades in Khoma Gewogs, Lhuntse. Her story is not just about weaving threads; it’s a tapestry woven with dedication and a love for Bhutanese culture.
“I was only 8 years old when I first learned to weave from my mother,” Karma reminisces. Her journey into the world of weaving began with a simple tablecloth, adorned with minimal patterns. It marked the inception of a lifelong passion, one that would be intricately woven into her family’s heritage.
“Most girls in our village didn’t pursue formal education. Instead, they stayed at home learning how to weave from their mothers,” Karma reflects on the profound cultural significance of weaving in her community. The art of weaving, passed down through generations, became a lifeline for these women.
Karma understands the challenge that weavers in her village face—competing with the cheaper mechanical textiles from neighboring countries. “Mass production of textiles remains a challenge for us due to its labor-intensive nature,” she explains. Crafting complex kishutharas on back-strap looms or horizontal frame looms takes dedication and time, sometimes up to five to six months.
Realizing the urgency of preserving Bhutan’s rich weaving culture, Karma states, “There was a need to act soon before Bhutan lost this rich culture.” Fortunately, in the early 2010s, the government, in collaboration with relevant stakeholders, initiated community development projects aimed at revitalizing Khoma’s weaving heritage.
A significant turning point in Karma’s journey came in 2018 when she emerged as one of the winners in the National Design Competition, organized by the Royal Textile Academy of Bhutan.
“This competition not only celebrated our weaving artistry but also provided a platform to sell our products both in Bhutan and abroad,” Karma proudly mentions.
The challenges escalated during the COVID-19 pandemic, making selling and marketing their products a formidable task. “Due to the pandemic, kishutharas stacked up in most houses as people were unable to sell them,” Karma recalls. Before the pandemic, she used to sell around three to four kishutharas annually.
Yet, amidst adversity, hope arose as Bhutan reopened its borders to international tourists. “Today, both domestic and international tourists visit our weaving center and textile displays,” Karma explains. This resurgence has not only created awareness about Bhutanese products and silk fabrics but also opened doors for business opportunities.
“We can now earn more, thanks to tourist revenue and orders for souvenirs from different government agencies and private individuals,” she says with a sense of optimism.
The price of a silk kishuthara, she notes, varies widely, ranging from Nu. 80,000 to over Nu. 200,000, reflecting the material used, the intricacy of the pattern, and the length of the textile.
Karma emphasizes the need for collaboration and understanding: “If a tourism-related traditional handicraft industry is to be successful in rural areas like ours, it requires better collaboration between all associated stakeholders and better understanding between the Tourism Council of Bhutan and local residents.”
Her commitment to preserving Bhutan’s weaving culture is not just a testament to tradition; it’s a beacon of resilience and hope for the future.
By Rinzin Dema (Intern)
