Ten monks of Dechenphodrang Monastic School in Thimphu are undergoing a training to preserve one of Bhutan’s oldest art form of engraving letters on wooden blocks. They are the first group to undergo a six-month structured training in Xylography.
After the training, the monks will be sent as teachers to 10 Rabdeys in the country.
“We expect they will impart their knowledge and help flourish Xylography in rest of the country, again,” said Dechenphodrang Monastic School’s Assistant Principal, Dorji.
In the olden days, Bhutanese used Xylography to engrave prayers and religious texts to be printed on papers and cloths.
But, as modern technology started coming in, the art form took a backseat.
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“Before the evolution of technology, all the scripts were in the form of letter carvings. Such carvings are found in Dzumina inside Tashichhodzong…” said the Assistant Principal.
Even though, there were people who knew Xylography, they had no platform to exhibit their skills, according to the National Institute for Zorig Chusum’s Principal, Jigme Dorji.
“It is one of the 13 Arts we have in our country and one of the important tools of Lord Buddha.” He said the disappearing of Xylography in the country is worrying.
The programme, initiated by labour ministry in collaboration with National Institute for Zorig Chusum, is funded by the Government of India.
