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In Goenpa Kabab, a small village in Lhuentse, northeastern Bhutan, weaving is the main source of livelihood. Here, women are renowned for producing Kishuthara, an intricate silk textile worn during festivals and formal occasions. The community has long focused almost entirely on weaving.
Kishuthara is created using a detailed method called trima, which involves wrapping extra threads around base threads to form raised patterns and finely designed motifs.
Territory and Tradition
Goenpa Kabab in Lhuntse District, at 1 500–2 500 metres altitude, is a deeply Buddhist, matriarchal community. Women there take great pride in weaving Kishuthara, considered a divine gift from Princess Bhrikuti, also known as Azhi Jaza. It was further promoted by subsequent queens of Bhutan. Women from this village have since served as royal weavers for Bhutan’s queens and princesses. The weaving process is spiritual, with women chanting or singing, turning their craft into meditation and storytelling.
Producers
A total of 14 highly skilled weavers carry forward generations of exquisite craftsmanship. In this matriarchal community, women not only lead their households but also earn most of the family’s income through weaving. The patterns and motifs they use – floral, geometric and religious – are inspired by Bhutanese spiritual beliefs and local folklore. They create fine, raised designs that reflect creativity, discipline and mindfulness. Each design holds meaning, symbolizing prosperity, protection or blessings.
Processing
The raw silk is dyed in madder, rhubarb and indigo from Bhutan’s highlands. It is then cleaned, boiled, sun-dried and spun into yarn. It is woven by hand using a traditional backstrap loom, where one end is tied to a post and the other around the weaver’s waist. This allows full control over the tension and pattern. The main technique used is called trima. Each pattern is added by hand using a bamboo stick.
Further information
