Yartha; ‘Pattern from the upper regions’. Bumthang in Central Bhutan is known for woolen textiles with colorful motifs. They are usually designed with large bold flowers, trees, diamonds, vases, thunderbolts (dorji), stars (karma), coins (tranka), sun rays (Zerpa), and swastikas (yurung).

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

                                

Sheep wool is primary fiber used for weaving Yarthas. Yak hair is also used for weaving blankets, rugs and rain cloaks as they are water resistant.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

          

*zerpa or sun rays with diamond pattern is seen in the left picture

*panels of finished yarthas are hung for sale in Chumey village in Bumthang

 

The woven woolen fabrics are used as blankets, raincoats, shawls, jackets, rugs and pillow covers.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

                 

                                 

 

*yartha jackets were popular among village floks, however today,  there seems to be a revival of yartha in fashion among youth

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

          

             

*the above patterns are popularly seen on blankets and rugs

 

                

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Pillow cases are woven in different colors and designs. These days Yarthas are also sewn into fashionable handbags and rucksacks.  

   

                          

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

                                

                                    

The above pictures show old Yathas which were used as raincloaks and blankets.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

         

               

 

*the old man on the left is wearing a rain cloak with white ground adorned with weft patters. (Picture courtesy D.K.M. 1986)

*the old women is holding a rain cloak woven by herself in the 1960s. (D.K.M. 1992)

 

‘Tarichem’ or design with ‘Tiger Stripes’ woolen textiles were worn by women during winters. The stripes are dyed with madder and indigo blue.   

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

             

 

Yartha is woven on a ‘Horizontal frame loom’   

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

                               

                      

Yak Hair is used for making tents and clothing by semi nomadic people in Merak, Sakteng in the East & Laya, Lingshi in the West. Yak hair blankets are spread on the ground for sitting and sleeping. Rain cloaks made of yak hair are water resistant however they are now replaced by umbrellas and raincoats.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

                            

           

 

                                            yak hair sling bag                                    traditional hat from Merak & sakteng 

                

                  

           Yak hair tents are commonly used as they are durable and water resistant

                               

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

                        *a layap women on a makeshift loom