Her Majesty Queen Mother Sangay Choden Wangchuck awarded the first-ever Living Legend Award in Weaving Culture to 90-year-old Sithar Lhamo today in the capital. The award was established under the Weaving into the Future Programme. It honours individuals who have made outstanding contributions to preserving rich textile heritage and supporting community development within the hand-woven textile industry.
Sither Lhamo, from Khoma in Lhuentse, is a weaver with a lifetime of experience. She began her craft at just 14 years old and has spent more than 75 years perfecting the intricate art of Kishuthara.
Now at 90, she is a living testament to the rich history and evolution of Bhutanese weaving.
Having witnessed the transformation of the centuries-old tradition, she has not only preserved its techniques but has actively played her part in shaping its future.
Her passion for weaving runs deep, and she remains dedicated to her craft, pledging to continue weaving until her last breath.
Sithar Lhamo says, “I am very happy to have received the award from Her Majesty Queen Mother. I never thought that there would come a day like this. It was an opportune moment for me to receive the award and get to meet Her Majesty Queen Mother.”
Although the award was conceptualized in 2021, no recipient worthy of the honour was found until Sither Lhamo. The Living Legend Award is conferred solely based on merit.
The award recognizes artisans whose lifelong dedication has safeguarded and enriched Bhutan’s cultural traditions in the textile industry. It is funded by the William H. Geiger Family Foundation based in the United States.
The award serves as a reminder for artisans like Sithar Lhamo to continue to inspire future generations to carry forward the deep cultural value embedded in traditional crafts.
Sonam Yuden
Edited by Sangay Chezom
