𝐌𝐨𝐨𝐫𝐨𝐨𝐧𝐠 𝐕𝐢𝐥𝐥𝐚𝐠𝐞’𝐬 𝐓𝐫𝐚𝐝𝐢𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧𝐚𝐥 𝐂𝐫𝐚𝐟𝐭 𝐨𝐟 𝐂𝐫𝐚𝐟𝐭𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐋𝐨𝐜𝐚𝐥 𝐖𝐢𝐧𝐞 𝐂𝐨𝐧𝐭𝐚𝐢𝐧𝐞𝐫𝐬 (𝐀𝐫𝐚 𝐉𝐚𝐧𝐝𝐨𝐦) 𝐃𝐫𝐢𝐯𝐞𝐬 𝐄𝐜𝐨𝐧𝐨𝐦𝐢𝐜 𝐆𝐫𝐨𝐰𝐭𝐡

…𝒂𝒓𝒕𝒊𝒔𝒂𝒏𝒔 𝒑𝒓𝒆𝒔𝒆𝒓𝒗𝒆 𝒄𝒖𝒍𝒕𝒖𝒓𝒂𝒍 𝒉𝒆𝒓𝒊𝒕𝒂𝒈𝒆 𝒕𝒉𝒓𝒐𝒖𝒈𝒉 𝒕𝒓𝒂𝒅𝒊𝒕𝒊𝒐𝒏𝒂𝒍 𝒄𝒓𝒂𝒇𝒕, 𝒊𝒏𝒔𝒑𝒊𝒓𝒊𝒏𝒈 𝒔𝒖𝒔𝒕𝒂𝒊𝒏𝒂𝒃𝒊𝒍𝒊𝒕𝒚 𝒂𝒏𝒅 𝒄𝒐𝒎𝒎𝒖𝒏𝒊𝒕𝒚 𝑺𝒑𝒊𝒓𝒊𝒕

By Kezang Choden

In a remarkable showcase of craftsmanship and cultural heritage, the villagers of Mooroong in Kengkhar Gewog, Mongar Dzongkhag, have gained recognition for their expertise in creating local wine containers, known as Ara Jandom. Today, 14 households are actively involved in this traditional craft, which has become a vital part of their livelihood. These artisans have not only preserved an ancient tradition but have also enhanced it by developing new and intricate designs, particularly through the innovative use of colors.

At 51, Sangay Tshewang from Mooroong village stands as a senior and skilled artisan in the craft of making local wine containers, known as Ara Jandom. For the past 18 years, Tshewang has dedicated himself to perfecting this traditional craft, becoming an expert in creating these intricate containers. His passion extends beyond his work, as he expresses a strong desire to pass on his knowledge to the younger generation. “We take great pride in our work. Each container is made with care, reflecting our culture and creativity. The new designs have attracted more customers, and we are happy to see our tradition appreciated by so many,” Tshewang said.

“If the youths show interest, I am more than willing to teach them everything I know,” Tshewang shared. He also highlighted the support they receive in terms of resources, stating, “We obtain wood according to the rules and regulations of Dongdey Nagtshel,” indicating a sustainable approach to their craft.
Shacha Dorji, aged 36 from Mooroong village, has been crafting Ara Jandom since 2012. Dorji mentioned that the village artisans have successfully exported their products, expanding their market reach. However, like many, they encountered significant challenges during the COVID-19 pandemic. “We faced many issues during the pandemic, but the demand for our newly designed Ara Jandom, particularly in terms of colors, helped us stay afloat,” Dorji said. The modern designs and vibrant colors of the Ara Jandom have attracted a broader audience, ensuring consistent sales. “The new designs are highly popular now,” Dorji noted, emphasizing the importance of adapting to market trends while preserving traditional craftsmanship.

Rinchen Zangpo, aged 28, is the youngest artisan crafting Ara Jandom in Mooroong village. Starting his journey in 2015 after his father’s passing, Zangpo continues a family tradition with dedication and enthusiasm. Despite his passion for the craft, Zangpo faces challenges in selling his products compared to his more experienced counterparts. “I am committed to enhancing my craft and increasing my income,” Zangpo stated. His perseverance and eagerness to learn from the seasoned artisans of Mooroong village are promising indicators for his future in this traditional industry.

Nima Wangdi, aged 37 and a resident of Mooroong village, has assumed the role of chairperson for the Dongdey Nagtshel and Tarayana Foundation. Wangdi’s leadership is characterized by his dedication to sustainable practices and community welfare. One of his key initiatives is ensuring that villagers receive an equitable allocation of wood for producing Jandom. Recognizing the significance of resource sustainability, he has introduced a system where the community contributes a small amount of money to a collective fund. To maintain resource balance, Wangdi coordinates tree planting activities to replace utilized wood. He and the Jandom makers are working towards obtaining a seal of authenticity for their products.

“The seal will serve as evidence of origin, distinguishing the genuine Jandom made in Mooroong from imitations produced elsewhere. This effort is crucial for safeguarding the cultural heritage and economic interests of Mooroong’s artisans,” Wangdi explained. Understanding the importance of skill transfer, elders in Mooroong actively train youth during vacation periods. “The Jandom crafted in Mooroong are renowned for their quality and durability, making them highly sought after in local and international markets,” Wangdi added.

Penjor, the Mangmi of Kengkhar Gewog, has noted encouraging signs of economic growth in Mooroong village. He highlighted the importance of preserving cultural heritage through crafts, which not only uphold local traditions but also contribute to the village’s economic progress. “Preserving our crafts is crucial,” Penjor emphasized. “It provides livelihoods for many families and maintains our cultural identity.” Community-led awareness campaigns stress the importance of forests in ecological balance and sustainable livelihoods.

Penjor stressed the need to revive this art form, noting its potential for both cultural preservation and economic prosperity in the village. “By preserving Jandom, we not only safeguard our cultural heritage but also create new avenues for income and development,” Penjor elaborated.

The story of traditional craft in Mooroong village is a testament to resilience and community spirit. Through dedication, adaptability, and a commitment to sustainability, artisans have not only preserved their cultural heritage but also contributed to economic growth. The artisans’ passion for their craft, their willingness to pass on knowledge to younger generations, and their ability to innovate in challenging times highlight the importance of tradition in a modern context. Their efforts not only sustain livelihoods but also foster a sense of identity and pride within the community. This collective endeavor to revive and preserve traditional arts serves as a beacon of cultural heritage and economic prosperity for generations to come.