Photos
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Manage No PI00005510 Country Bhutan Year 2017-11-11 ICH Domain Oral traditions and representations, Social practices, rituals, festive events, Traditional craft skills
| Description | The Making of Traditional Bow The making of traditional bow is closely linked to Bhutan's culture, religion and history. It was first used by gods (Lha) and Asuras (Lhamin) to annihilate demons and evil spirits or malignant spirits. It was also used as a weapon during war. The subsequent pictures shall demonstrate the process involved in the making of traditional bow. It is a common practice among the traditional archers to hold the bow vertically with his left hand. However, there are few archers who uses their right hand also. The bow is held from the center with his thumb pressed against the bow from inside. | ||
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| Photographer | Jigme Choden & Ngawang Choden | ||
| Place | Simtokha, Thimphu, Bhutan | File Size | 3.41MB |
| Definition | 300 DPI | File Format | JPG |
| Copyright | Jigme Choden & Ngawang Choden, ICHCAP |
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Information source
Materials related to
Photos
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PI00005513
Dazo, The Art of Traditional Bow and Arrow Making in Bhutan_Crafting a Bow
Strong, mature and seasoned bamboos are used to craft bows. If it is not seasoned properly, then it would lose its shape and uniformity. Traditionally, bamboos are cut into two parts and then joined in the middle.
Bhutan 2017 -
PI00005512
Dazo, The Art of Traditional Bow and Arrow Making in Bhutan_Seasoned Bamboo/Zhushing
Freshly cut Zhu shings or bamboos are not ready to be used as bows. It has to be seasoned and dried naturally in the sun which takes about 75 days or else dry over the earthen stove to enable the smoke to strengthen and further durability. The Zhu, or bow is made from a distinct species of bamboo called Zhu Shing which is only grown in the warmer parts of the country. However, bamboo from Samtse District is considered superior for it uniform thickness.
Bhutan 2017 -
PI00005528
Dazo, The Art of Traditional Bow and Arrow Making in Bhutan_Spinning of Bow String
The bow string is spun using hands. The traditional bow string are made from wild vine plant's skin locally known as Tshelme Pangki and fetch during second and third month when the days are long. The reasons for collecting during this specified month is that it is believed that the inter-nodal distance of the creeper is longer during this months. Therefore, longer ones are much preferred for making bow strings. The wild vine is cut and dried in the sun.Then the skin of the vine is peeled and a small thread-like skin remains which is then spun together to make a string. And the string is mostly used as bow strings.
Bhutan 2017 -
PI00005528
The bow string is spun using hands. The traditional bow string are made from wild vine plant's skin locally known as Tshelme Pangki and fetch during second and third month when the days are long. The reasons for collecting during this specified month is that it is believed that the inter-nodal distance of the creeper is longer during this months. Therefore, longer ones are much preferred for making bow strings. The wild vine is cut and dried in the sun.Then the skin of the vine is peeled and a small thread-like skin remains which is then spun together to make a string. And the string is mostly used as bow strings.
Bhutan 2017
Videos
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VI00000718
Dazo, The Art of Traditional Bow and Arrow Making in Bhutan_The Process of Making Traditional Bow
The process of making traditional bow
1'37''
Bhutan 2017 -
VI00000533
Dazo, The Art of Traditional Bow and Arrow Making in Bhutan_Process of cutting
Dazo, the art of traditional bow and arrow making is an important intangible cultural element of Bhutan but the skills involved in the art is fast disappearing. The traditional bamboo bows and arrows were used to play archery. Archery is Bhutan’s national game. It is a popular sport especially among the male population. Archery promotes social cohesion, harmony and the preservation of tradition and shared values. But the use of traditional bows and arrows are increasingly becoming unpopular owing to a large number of people preferring to use foreign bows and arrows over the traditional ones, which are now easily accessible in the market. This has led to decline in the skills involved in making of the traditional bamboo bows and arrows. Today, there are only few people who acquire the skills required to make the traditional bow and arrow. Process of cutting. Man selecting superior yangka bamboo reeds to be used as an arrow. Yangka is a rare bamboo species which is considered the best quality over other bamboo species that grows in pairs. Traditionally, it is believed that person who cuts the bamboo reed has to pray and at one go cut both the reeds and run away from the site of its growth. If not, it is beleived that mist and fog would shroud the whole area and make paths invisible.
1'20""
Bhutan 2017 -
VI00000509
Dazo, The Art of Traditional Bow and Arrow Making in Bhutan_
Dazo, the art of traditional bow and arrow making is an important intangible cultural element of Bhutan but the skills involved in the art is fast disappearing. The traditional bamboo bows and arrows were used to play archery. Archery is Bhutan’s national game. It is a popular sport especially among the male population. Archery promotes social cohesion, harmony and the preservation of tradition and shared values. But the use of traditional bows and arrows are increasingly becoming unpopular owing to a large number of people preferring to use foreign bows and arrows over the traditional ones, which are now easily accessible in the market. This has led to decline in the skills involved in making of the traditional bamboo bows and arrows. Today, there are only few people who acquire the skills required to make the traditional bow and arrow.
2'37''
Bhutan 2017