In Khebisa Gewog of Dagana, a four-storey mud house constructed centuries ago stands as a witness to history. Now, as it crumbles under the weight of time, its owner faces a difficult choice: preserve the ancient structure filled with sacred artefacts or risk dismantling it, despite the community’s warnings of misfortune.
The four-storied traditional mud house is in Gibsa.
Once believed to have housed a Lam, it served as a guesthouse to many travellers passing through the ancient trail connecting Daga Dzong and other parts of the country over the years.
Today, it is owned by the 9th generation of the family, Namsey. She continues to care for the house and its sacred artefacts. Neither Namsey nor others in the village including the elders know exactly how old the house is.
Namsey says, “One of my grandmothers, who passed away about eight years ago at 105, said that the house has been passed down through nine generations. Beyond that, we don’t have any information. Even our great-grandmother didn’t know much about the origin of the house.”
Though the house stands as a repository of architectural styles, heritage, and cultural memories that reflect the community’s identity, it has aged over time. It now resembles a forsaken structure, with huge cracks, a leaking roof and unstable flooring.
Aside from some minor renovations, most parts of the house remain unchanged since its original construction.
Yet, Namsay continues to sleep in the house. For her, abandoning the house would mean discarding the sacred statues and artefacts, an act she believes would bring misfortune.
“I sleep in the old house to safeguard the statues. I fear that if they are damaged, misfortune will surely befall on my family. This belief has forced me to stay in the house despite its poor condition,” she says.
Two years ago, for the safety of her family, she built a new home adjacent to the old house.
She says she considered dismantling it and relocating the statues and artefacts to her new house. However, her neighbours and the Gewog Administration discouraged her.
“I decided to dismantle the old house last year and thought of using the CGI sheets for my new home. But everyone advised me against it, as the structure is very old. When I discussed this with relevant authorities including the Gewog Gup, they asked me not to dismantle it.”
While unable to address the structural issues, Namsey says she is gradually moving away from some of the ancient practices. One such practice is animal sacrifice during annual rituals, which she discontinued in 1997 after following it for three years.
Namsey says, “More than 20 close relatives used to gather during the annual rituals. We had to slaughter an animal and offer its heart to the Tsen. It was believed that failing to make offerings resulted in being born with abnormalities. Over the years I have replaced it with dry fish and Ema Datshi.”
Meanwhile, the Gewog Administration has submitted a proposal to the Dagana District’s Culture Sector requesting minor maintenance of the house. The office also mentioned that they are exploring the possibility of converting the house into a museum and homestay in consultation with the house owner.
The future of the house is uncertain, caught between preservation and the passage of time. As discussions continue, it remains to be seen how the house and its traditions will be safeguarded for future generations.
Pema Tshewang, Dagana
Edited by Sangay Chezom
