𝐑𝐞𝐯𝐢𝐯𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐀𝐧𝐜𝐢𝐞𝐧𝐭 𝐂𝐫𝐚𝐟𝐭 𝐓𝐡𝐫𝐨𝐮𝐠𝐡 𝐓𝐫𝐚𝐢𝐧𝐢𝐧𝐠𝐬 𝐑𝐞𝐢𝐧𝐭𝐫𝐨𝐝𝐮𝐜𝐞𝐬 𝐓𝐫𝐚𝐝𝐢𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧𝐚𝐥 𝐍𝐞𝐭𝐭𝐥𝐞 𝐘𝐚𝐫𝐧 𝐏𝐫𝐨𝐝𝐮𝐜𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧

…𝑻𝒉𝒆 𝑻𝒂𝒓𝒂𝒚𝒂𝒏𝒂 𝑭𝒐𝒖𝒏𝒅𝒂𝒕𝒊𝒐𝒏’𝒔 𝑵𝒆𝒕𝒕𝒍𝒆 𝑬𝒏𝒕𝒆𝒓𝒑𝒓𝒊𝒔𝒆 𝑫𝒆𝒗𝒆𝒍𝒐𝒑𝒎𝒆𝒏𝒕 𝑷𝒓𝒐𝒋𝒆𝒄𝒕 𝑩𝒓𝒆𝒂𝒕𝒉𝒆𝒔 𝑵𝒆𝒘 𝑳𝒊𝒇𝒆 𝒊𝒏𝒕𝒐 𝑪𝒖𝒍𝒕𝒖𝒓𝒂𝒍 𝑯𝒆𝒓𝒊𝒕𝒂𝒈𝒆 𝒂𝒏𝒅 𝑬𝒄𝒐𝒏𝒐𝒎𝒊𝒄 𝑹𝒆𝒔𝒊𝒍𝒊𝒆𝒏𝒄𝒆

By Kezang Choden

In a remarkable effort to rekindle Bhutan’s ancient craft of nettle-based production, the Tarayana Foundation organized a hands-on training on nettle yarn processing.Through the Nettle Enterprise Development Project, supported by Bhutan for Life, the foundation aims to preserve traditional nettle processing methods while uplifting local communities. This initiative underlines not only the cultural importance of the nettle plant but also its economic potential, offering artisans new opportunities by blending tradition with modern techniques.

The nettle plant, known locally as “Zoucha” and scientifically as Girardinia diversifolia, is a valuable part of Bhutanese cultural heritage. Historically used for weaving robust and distinct fabrics, nettle fibers possess qualities that have made them popular for generations. Rich in antioxidants, particularly vitamin C, and known for their natural strength, nettle fibers are sought after by artisans for their eco-friendly and high-quality characteristics. Tarayana’s initiative looks to elevate this tradition by enhancing local artisans’ skills and opening doors to value-added products that can appeal to broader markets. By preserving Zoucha’s natural properties and weaving techniques, the foundation seeks to uphold Bhutan’s heritage while offering communities a sustainable livelihood.

Jigme Wangchuk, Field Officer of the Tarayana Foundation, highlighted that the training involved mapping locally available resources that were once common among the ancestors of Bhutanese communities. “The nettle plant was a crucial resource for our forefathers, but with modernization, its traditional applications have gradually disappeared,” he said. The recent training represents an important step toward restoring these age-old skills and passing them on to future generations. According to Jigme Wangchuk, the training generated excitement, as both seasoned artisans and novices shared and absorbed techniques. “Some participants had a basic understanding of traditional methods and actively helped others learn, creating a dynamic and supportive environment,” Jigme Wangchuk added.

The training included skills such as crafting ropes from nettle, a practice that once played an essential role in daily life but had fallen out of use. The revitalized techniques allow participants to create more refined threads, expanding the uses of nettle fibers and enabling them to produce a wider range of items, from practical to artistic. By blending traditional skills with modern approaches, Tarayana Foundation is equipping artisans with the knowledge to produce nettle-based goods that cater to contemporary tastes while preserving authenticity.

A strong focus on sustainable practices accompanied the training, as Tarayana emphasized resource preservation for future generations. Participants were trained in responsible harvesting and processing techniques, ensuring that nettle resources could be utilized without overexploitation. “It was inspiring to see the participants’ eagerness to learn sustainable practices,” noted Jigme Wangchuk, explaining that the motivation stemmed not only from a desire to preserve heritage but also from recognizing the economic benefits of an eco-friendly, locally produced product.

To aid in marketing, Tarayana has established connections between producers and potential buyers. The foundation also provides support in product promotion and tracking data to help participants manage production costs and revenues effectively. The organization’s goal is to expand this project to additional communities across Bhutan, helping more gewogs and dzongkhags benefit from the revival of nettle-based crafts.

The response to the training has been overwhelmingly positive, particularly in Lajab Gewog, Dagana Dzongkhag. Gup Dhan Bdr Gurung noted that the local community views nettle processing as a promising venture due to the abundance of nettle in the region. “We don’t have to invest heavily as nettle grows naturally here,” Gup Dhan Bdr Gurung explained, highlighting the practicality and low-cost nature of the project. He pointed out that unlike other initiatives requiring significant capital and resources, the nettle project offers a sustainable alternative that could bring lasting benefits to the community.

The training has imparted practical skills in harvesting, processing, and creating value-added products, empowering residents to diversify their incomes. Given the increasing demand for sustainable, locally crafted goods, the nettle project could greatly enhance the economic resilience of Lajab Gewog. The gewog envisions itself as a model for utilizing local resources to generate income, demonstrating how sustainable practices can integrate cultural preservation with economic development.

In Lumang Gewog, Trashigang Dzongkhag, nettle has been an integral part of life for generations. According to Gup Sangay Gyeltshen, locals continue to weave nettle fibers into ropes and other goods, a skill passed down from their forefathers. Gyeltshen emphasized the importance of maintaining this heritage, not just as a cultural symbol but also as a potential economic driver. To enhance production, the gewog administration has installed machinery that aids in processing and dyeing the fibers. Traditionally, only three colors were used, but recent advancements have enabled the production of threads in 16 colors, significantly broadening the appeal of the gewog’s products.

Tarayana Foundation’s involvement in marketing has further helped Lumang artisans reach new markets, allowing their refined nettle threads to stand out in quality and variety. By supporting artisans in developing a wide color range and improving thread quality, the community has strengthened its standing in the market. Residents of Lumang Gewog see their nettle craft as both a heritage and a viable source of livelihood, combining traditional knowledge with innovative techniques for greater market reach In Khebisa Gewog, also in Dagana Dzongkhag, the community is actively working to leverage the nettle plant for economic purposes. Gup Bali Raj Gurung explained that the abundant nettle plant provides an opportunity for self-sufficiency without significant external investment. “Nettle has been used for generations in our gewog, and we want to revive its potential as both a cultural symbol and a source of income,” he stated. By reviving traditional weaving practices, Khebisa Gewog has reintroduced an eco-friendly way of creating durable, long-lasting products, which could appeal to customers seeking authentic and sustainable items.

The renewed focus on nettle products aligns with the gewog’s broader efforts to foster a local, sustainable economy. By utilizing local resources and traditional skills, the gewog aims to establish a circular economy model that supports community well-being and environmental sustainability. As more villagers become involved, Gup Bali Raj believes that nettle-based goods could become a reliable income source, providing both cultural pride and economic stability for Khebisa Gewog.

The Tarayana Foundation’s Nettle Enterprise Development Project represents more than just a return to tradition. By revitalizing nettle-based crafts, the project offers a blueprint for sustainable development that respects Bhutan’s cultural heritage while addressing modern economic needs. As these training sessions expand to other parts of Bhutan, the hope is that nettle production will become an integral part of the country’s cultural economy, allowing communities to reap the benefits of sustainable resource management and cultural preservation.

Ultimately, the Nettle Enterprise Development Project embodies the values of resilience, self-sufficiency, and respect for nature that lie at the heart of Bhutanese culture. By reviving the ancient craft of nettle yarn production, Bhutan is not only safeguarding its heritage but also paving the way for economic self-reliance and community prosperity. As traditional practices find new relevance in modern markets, Bhutan’s artisans are embracing a sustainable future built on the wisdom of their ancestors and the vision of their leaders.

Tarayana Foundation organized a hands-on training on nettle yarn processing from October 23 to 25, 2024.