In a heartfelt ceremony on Tuesday, December 10, Sither Lhamo, a 90-year-old master weaver from Khoma in the Lhuentse district, was awarded the prestigious Living Legend Award in Weaving Culture. The honor was bestowed upon her by Her Majesty Gyalyum Sangay Choden Wangchuck, acknowledging her remarkable contributions to Bhutan’s rich textile heritage.
The accolade was part of the “Weaving Into the Future” Programme, organized by the Royal Textile Academy (RTA) in Thimphu. As the first recipient of this distinguished award, Sither Lhamo stands as Khoma’s oldest weaver, having dedicated an impressive 76 years to mastering and preserving traditional Bhutanese weaving techniques.
Sither Lhamo embarked on her weaving journey at the age of 14, a passion that has sustained her through decades of dedication. Despite personal tragedies, including the loss of her husband at 35 and her daughter three years ago, Lhamo remains steadfast in her craft. Although her vision has significantly weakened, she continues to weave with the assistance of glasses, demonstrating unwavering resilience and commitment.
“I never dreamed that I would receive an award from Her Majesty. It is an honour to receive this recognition and to have the chance to meet Her Majesty in person,” Sither Lhamo expressed with humility and joy.
The Living Legend Award, funded by the William H. Geiger Family Foundation Inc., includes a cash prize of Nu 100,000, a certificate, and a statue of Tshepamey. Ugyen Tenzin, Director of the RTA, emphasized the award’s exclusivity and significance. “This award is unique, as it is not presented annually and is solely merit-based. It is reserved for individuals whose contributions have stood the test of time, leaving a lasting impact on Bhutan’s cultural heritage,” he stated.
Sither Lhamo’s expertise lies in Kishuthara weaving, a revered Bhutanese tradition known for its intricate patterns and meticulous craftsmanship. Her work not only serves as her primary source of income but also as a vital link to Bhutan’s cultural identity. Through her dedication, Lhamo has played a crucial role in sustaining the Kishuthara tradition, ensuring its transmission to future generations.
“Weaving is more than just a skill for me; it is a way of life,” Lhamo remarked. Her commitment to weaving has made her a cultural icon in Khoma and beyond, symbolizing the enduring spirit of Bhutanese artisans.
The Royal Textile Academy’s initiative, supported by the William H. Geiger Family Foundation Inc., aims to celebrate and promote individuals who have significantly contributed to Bhutan’s textile heritage. By recognizing legends like Sither Lhamo, the program fosters community development and ensures the continued vibrancy of the hand-woven textile industry in Bhutan.
As Sither Lhamo receives this well-deserved honor, her legacy as a master weaver and cultural guardian continues to inspire both her peers and the younger generation of artisans in Bhutan.
