Weaving cloth from nettle plants has declined with the arrival of imported fabrics in the country. Yet, in Samdrup Jongkhar’s Lauri Gewog, four women continue to keep the age-old practice alive while earning a modest income.
Therbum Zangmo from Sezor village gathers the fibres of the stinging nettle plant and processes them into yarn. She dyes them with natural colours from wild plants.
The yarns are then woven into traditional garments, such as this piece of a gho, preserving a fading art.
Apart from keeping the tradition alive, Therbum Zangmo is also able to earn a decent income. In a year, she earns around Nu 50,000 from weaving cloth using nettle plants.
“Our grandparents did it, and we are preserving it. I am not literate, so I have to do this. Some of us continue the work. We need money, and through weaving, we can earn something to spend on our school-going children,” said Therbum Zangmo, Villager, Sezor, Lauri Gewog, Samdrup Jongkhar.
“Earlier, many did this. Now, only a few of us are continuing, as it provides some income. We even attended training on dyeing to improve our skills,” said Kesang Lhamo, Villager, Sezor, Lauri Gewog, Samdrup Jongkhar.
But despite their efforts, the practice is fading. With cheaper and more convenient fabrics flooding the market, the younger generation is less interested in learning the craft.
“I was thinking of teaching this craft to my children to preserve it, but after their studies, they don’t take an interest in it,” added Therbum Zangmo.
“After cutting nettle plants from the forest, we have to boil them to make yarn. It is very difficult. So, children are not interested and they won’t even collect the nettle plants,” added Kesang Lhamo.
Still, for these women, weaving nettle cloth is more than a livelihood; it is a way of protecting their heritage and passing on a culture that is on the brink of disappearance.
Kinley Wangchuk, Samdrup Jongkhar
Edited by Kipchu
