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Sikkim

Thara: Ancient craft of weaving

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Lepcha Community’s cultural legacy

Amongst the many lesser-known gems of India lies the Dzongu valley in the foothills of Mount Kanchenjunga. The Dzongu valley is home to the Lepcha tribe, an indigenous community native to the State of Sikkim.

An inspiring feature of this community is their natural inclination towards sustainability which manifests through their traditions, beliefs, and ways of life. A traveller interested in learning about this local community and other unexplored facets of this region’s biodiversity must add this stop in their itinerary for North Sikkim without much ado.

Those travelling to engage with this community must spend time to learn about the tribes’ creative expression forms through which they make items for daily use and rituals. These expressions come to life in the form of craftwork such as basketry, weaves, carpentry, architecture styles, and other aspects of the Lepcha lifestyle. The Lepchas are well known for their handlooms and produce a major portion of the fabrics and weaves which come from the tribal communities of Sikkim - so much so that the Lepcha weaves are almost synonymous with the textile industry of Sikkim!

Those interested in immersing themselves with the sustainable and creative lifestyle of the Lepcha community must read ahead to learn more about the one special weave that makes the Lepcha community stand out from the rest in soulful Sikkim.

Craft ecosystem and stylization

Lepcha weaves are characterized by colorful motifs patterned in stripes, intricately woven on the back-strap loom. Historically, raw material used for putting together Lepcha textiles were natural fibers of the nettle plant and raw silk. But these are now woven from yarns of cotton and wool, on back-strap loin loom. Also, natural dyes using roots, barks fruits, leaves, vines, and other dyes were used to make the textiles. Typically, the colours used were white, black, red, yellow and green.

The design vocabulary for Lepcha weaving is intriguing for the traveller to become aware of, as it is inspired by Buddhism and its eight auspicious symbols known as ashtamangala. The use of colourful stripes in the warp is a striking feature of Lepcha weaving.

It is worth exploring the skilled craftsmanship of the community and their stylization of the Lepcha weave on your travels through the hilly terrains of Dzongu.

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Artistic Expression to bring home

Thara craft represents the set of intricate art forms developed by local communities, often passed down generations through oral wisdom and family practice. Understanding the Thara form of craft allows tourists to catch a glimpse of local life, traditions, and the region's rich artistic heritage.

For the commoner, Thara craft is a window into the soul of Sikkim's cultural and social fabric. It ties into the relation between the Lepchas and the contemporary world, while allowing one to ride themselves through the magnificent history of the Lepcha community.

For travellers, it offers an enriching experience that combines cultural immersion, support to the local community, and lessons to take home in the form of sustainable and eco-friendly practices. Visit a Handicraft/Handloom store run by the Sikkim Government and bring home a beautiful Thara traditional coat or a souvenir that represents the myriad stories of Sikkim’s vibrant culture and it’s people.