Zorig Chusum or the Institute of 13 Arts and Crafts was just a name for him. He never went to the institute to learn the art of making religious items. But today, he is the busiest among the artisans in Pema Gatshel. Ugyen Penjor from Shinangri in Khar Gewog is the one man who makes Sertog – Golden Pinnacle and Nindha – the apex of chorten. The 63-year-old veteran has been in the business for more than two decades and his products are highly sought-after in the locality.
Ugyen can erect wonder out of copper. When BBS visited his work station in the village, the artisan was hard at work – to turn the mere copper into a magnificent golden pinnacle. Cutting the blades of bronze into the required sizes, he beats them into different shapes and finally assembles them.
The man is self-taught. But he also took the help of a village lam in getting samples and the required measurements. It takes Ugyen at least one week to one month to make a pinnacle, depending on the size. He also makes other religious items such as dung and jaling, but he said it is easier to smith golden pinnacle.
“Making dung and jaling requires crafting of different and complicated patterns. It also requires different materials, but sertog requires only copper,” he said.
However, Ugyen is worried the skills might one day disappear with him as no one shows interest to learn the art.
He said that if anyone shows interest to learn the art, he is ready to teach the art.
“It will not only be profitable but also contribute to the flourishing of dharma,” Ugyen said.
There is no dearth of customers for his products.
Depending on size, he sells the pinnacle for a minimum of Nu 5000 ngultrum to a maximum of Nu 150,000. Likewise, the price of Nindha ranges from Nu 1,000 to Nu 60,000.
And despite ageing, Ugyen is determined to continue his sacred profession till he finds somebody who will inherit the art or until his bones turn feeble.
Thinley Dorji, Pema Gatshel
Edited by Chayku
