The Lhop community constructed the museum in 2010 with support from the Tarayana Foundation. The one-storey wood structure located in Singye village in Dorokha houses more than 50 different traditional items used by their ancestors.
The collection includes pots, vases, farm tools and traditional oven among others.
The museum is important to the community and its identity. It represents or reflects their age-old culture and tradition.
“The museum was built to preserve our unique culture and tradition. It’s for our younger generation to help them understand our age-old culture,” Karma Dorji Doya, the Tshogpa of Singye Village, said.
“We have different language and culture, which we follow or practice even to this day,” Sonam Tshering Doya from Singye village said.
“Our parents tell us we cannot afford to neglect our culture. We always discuss among ourselves about preserving our culture.”
The Lhops dream of giving the museum a facelift, but have not been able to due to lack of budget.
No major restoration works have been carried out since its establishment almost a decade ago.The items in the museum remain covered in dust entering through the holes in the structure.
If they ever receive financial budget, the community plans to give the museum a makeover and then introduce entry-fee for its sustainability.
Singye village where the museum is located is about 50 kilometers away from Samtse district centre.
