In Pema Gatshel’s Shumar Gewog, the sound of bamboo being carved into bows and arrows echoes a story of tradition and income generation. Dorji Rinzin, a driver by profession, has turned his love for archery into a thriving craft. What began as a solution to avoid the expense of store-bought equipment has made him a sought-after artisan for bows and arrows in his community.
For Dorji Rinzin, crafting bows and arrows is more than just a pastime. It is a skill born out of necessity and nurtured with passion.
Growing up in Gyalpobrangsa in Shumar Gewog, he discovered that buying high-quality archery equipment was expensive and often inaccessible.
Determined to create his own, Dorji sought guidance from elders in his community and learned the process.
“I decided to learn how to make bows and arrows, not just to play the game. So, a group of us approached the elders in the community to learn the craft. After that, I learned it with interest.”
He dedicates his evenings and holidays to crafting bows and arrows.
With raw materials locally available and a growing demand, he says finding a market has never been a problem.
In fact, he is believed to be the only one selling bows and arrows in his locality.
“I spend my free time making bows and arrows. So far, I have never faced any major issues and I have received a lot of orders.”
He sells bows for 3,000 ngultrums and arrows for 800 ngultrums. In a month, he earns some 7,000 ngultrum as a side income.
But his ambitions go beyond his current success. He plans to open a traditional archery shop, a place where he can not only sell his creations but also preserve and promote rich heritage.
Thinley Dorji, Pema Gatshel
Edited by Tshering Zam
