Tibetan Cotton Weaving
Norbulingka institute is located in the terrain upsurges and foot hills of Himachal Pradesh that surrounds the Himalayan heights of Zanskar range that borders Tibet and Ladakh. This Institute is about 20 kms away from McLeod Ganj which is a suburb of the Dharamshala of Himachal Pradesh that helps in supporting and safeguarding the Tibetan traditions among the Indo Tibetans who have settled in this place long years ago. The people of this institute has maintained its surrounding with gardens, water bodies that ornate the colorful surrounding by giving the feel of mini- Tibet. With workshops of artisan (craftsmen) working with different crafts (arts) for the preservation of the Tibetan culture.
Cotton obtained from the hairy fibers of the seed head of the semi tropical plant are spun to fine thread or yarn for weaving. The untangled and fluffed loose mass is beaten and plucked by strings of a bow against them. Generally cotton is excellent for densely woven cloth, hard- wearing rugs and famous for its strength and smoothness. Mostly the Himalayan Bhotias live in these areas who are also known as the people from Tibetan origin.
Tibetan cotton, woolen types of jackets, gloves and scarves are some of the products which are been made by the Tibetan refugees which are famous, available at various locations throughout India. Tibetan women learn to weave by hands since their juvenile with woolen, flax fiber and waist bands using locally produced wool and flax. Generally these people prefer the cotton and woolen cloth of grey with stripes of color, white and red color. Traditional ways of making the fabric are always sustainable as each item of these clothing are unique.
