SHARING WITH YOU OUR ROOT, OUR VISION, AND OUR PRODUCTS
HIMALAYA: OUR ROOT, OUR VISION, AND OUR PRODUCTS
The giant Himalaya stretches majestically about 2500kms from East to West and every patch reveals a legendary skillful craftsman. As if the mighty Jo Mo Lang Ma (mother goddess or Mt Everest) quenches/fills/blesses their heart and soul with peace and tranquility, so the locals remain steady and live contentedly. For the simple livelihood to the preservation of one's own trait, their skills are not promoted/showcased in museums but shared and passed on to the community and succeeding generations.
This is one of The Little Tibet’s objectives to encourage and improve their local sustainability by working with them and making friends for mutual benefits and adventures. Places such as Tibet, Nepal, India, Bhutan, Kashmir, Mongolia, Ladakh have been our universe and our admiration.
With their heartfelt sentiments and engaging smile, we are able to achieve the highest quality of products that they can produce. In return, our respect and fairness will always be a paramount obligation. Each handmade and handcrafted product is specially promoted with stories and real human touch. Most of the materials are locally sourced or produced i.e. wools, silk, cotton are hand loomed in cottage industries.
For example, the Tibetan Shoes or Sonpa are made in the southern region of Tibet called Lhokha. In Tibetan “Lho” means south. This is near Chong Gyal Valley where the first Tibetan civilisation had begun. After all these social and political turbulence there still is the first Tibetan castle standing in the valley. Lhokha people are very skillful in terms of wool productions and woolen fabrics. In history, all the Dalai Lamas’ and official robes were made in Lhokha.
Then there is Kashmir. People of Kashmir are also called Kashmiri. They are one of the most artistic people in Asia. They work on various materials including silk and wool. Embroidery is one of their key talents. Usually, groups of people assemble into a cottage and work and sing together while doing the needle work. Both men and women do similar tasks. The wool that comes from Tibet and Mongolia are amalgamated with softer Kashmiri wool and hand loomed. Most silks in Kashmir come from other parts of India. Then there is Kantha stitching, popular in Calcutta and West Bengal. The worn-out Saris are cleaned and patched together with running stitches. The different sari fabrics merged together give this unique yet very intriguing pattern. This is mainly done in the rural area of West Bengal when the cultivation season is over and when there is a lot of free time in their hand.
More towards the west, there is Ladakh and Ladakyi. Geographically and religiously, it is closely linked to Tibet and many Buddhist relics are still preserved in the high Ladakh monasteries such as Lama Yurlu and Likir, around 120kms from Chok Lam Sar. Some of the Tibetan beadings for the necklace are carried out by some Tibetans living in Ladakh.
We are so privileged to work with some of the best local crafts centres to source our collections to share with our valued customers around the world. In addition, we love to hear from our customers about their ideas and desires in the Himalayan textile. Lastly, we are grateful for your advice, appreciation and support for our journey.
With Warm Wishes
The Little Tibet London Team