Our roots and heritage often define our identity, connecting us to the tools and traditions of our forefathers. However, as modernisation transforms daily life, many timeless artefacts have disappeared from Bhutanese households. In a bid to preserve these cultural treasures, residents of Bartsham Gewog in Trashigang have inaugurated a community museum. Supported by JICA, the museum aims to safeguard and pass on the community’s rich culture and values to future generations.
Ancient household items such as earthen cooking oven and wooden rice pounder were once integral to the Bhutanese way of living. Our forefathers used these tools daily.
However, with time, modern machines replaced them, and they are now almost extinct in Bhutanese households.
To preserve this fading legacy, the residents of Bartsham Gewog have contributed over 160 ancient household tools to the community museum.
The museum is housed in a renovated traditional two-storied structure.
“We don’t see many of the tools our forefathers used. Most have been burnt or discarded as they were deemed of no use. Thinking of the younger generation, we have contributed household items like alcohol containers, tea-making churns, and lighting items to the museum. These are no longer found in our village,” said Chompa, a resident of Bartsham Gewog.
“Although I have seen most of the items there are a few I cannot identify. I had to ask my friends to help identify their purpose and how they were using it. In the future, when our children visit this museum, they will learn and have a sense of pride and connection to their roots,” said Karma Dendup, another resident.
Organisers are hopeful that the museum will serve as more than a repository. They see it as a place of learning and pride for the community which will gradually turn into a tourist attraction.
Community members who actively participated and contributed artefacts were awarded certificates of appreciation at the inauguration.
Bartsham Gewog administration will manage the community museum.
The project, part of the JICA partnership Programme, was implemented by Sherubtse College and Kyoto University.
The preparation for the community museum started earlier this year.
Sonam Darjay, Trashigang
Edited by Phub Gyem
