The Little Tibet London : How ? What ? Where ?

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The Little Tibet in London is a platform for indigenous Himalayan craftsman to showcase their work of passion for long term sustainable livelihood. The giant Himalaya stretches majestically about 2500kms from East to West and every pouch reveals a legendary skillful craftsman. As if the mighty Jo Mo Lang Ma (mother goddess or Mt Everest) quench their heart and soul with peace and tranquility, so they don’t have to chase time rather be stealth and live locally. For the simple livelihood to the preservation of one's own trait, their skills are not ideally in museums but shared and passed into the community and locals.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

This is one of The Little Tibet’s objectives to encourage and improve their local sustainability by working with them and making friends for a mutual beneficiaries and adventures. Places such as Tibet, Nepal, India, Bhutan, Kashmir, Mongolia, Ladakh have been our universe and our admiration.

 

With their heartfelt sentiments and gazing smile, we able to achieve the highest quality of products that they can produced. In return, our respect and fairness will always a paramount obligation. Each hand made and handcrafted products are especially propagated with stories and real human touch. Most of the materials are locally produced i.e. wools, silk, cotton on 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 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 skilful 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, group of people assemble into a cottage and work and sing together while doing the needle work. Both man and woman do the similar task. The wool come from Tibet and Mongolia are amalgamated with softer Kashmiri wool and hand loomed. Most silk in Kashmir come from other parts of India. Then there is Kantha stitching, popular in the Calcutta and West Bengal. The worn out Saris are cleaned and patched together with running stitches. The different sari fabric merged together gives 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 lot of free times in their hand.

 

More towards the west, there is Ladakh and Ladakyi. Geographically, 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 Tibetan living in Ladakh.

 

In brief, 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. Therefore, we are waiting for your advice, appreciation and grief for our journey.

 

With Warm Wishes

 

Tenzin

 

The Little Tibet London Team