𝐋𝐢𝐯𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐋𝐞𝐠𝐞𝐧𝐝 𝐀𝐰𝐚𝐫𝐝 𝐂𝐞𝐫𝐞𝐦𝐨𝐧𝐲: 𝐂𝐞𝐥𝐞𝐛𝐫𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐄𝐱𝐜𝐞𝐥𝐥𝐞𝐧𝐜𝐞 𝐢𝐧 𝐖𝐞𝐚𝐯𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐂𝐮𝐥𝐭𝐮𝐫𝐞

The Royal Textile Academy is delighted to announce that Aum Sithar Lhamo, a 90-year-old master weaver from Khoma, Lhuentse, is the first recipient of the Living Legend Award titled ‘𝐇𝐞𝐫 𝐌𝐚𝐣𝐞𝐬𝐭𝐲 𝐆𝐲𝐚𝐥𝐲𝐮𝐦 𝐒𝐚𝐧𝐠𝐚𝐲 𝐂𝐡𝐨𝐝𝐞𝐧 𝐖𝐚𝐧𝐠𝐜𝐡𝐮𝐜𝐤’𝐬 𝐋𝐢𝐯𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐋𝐞𝐠𝐞𝐧𝐝 𝐀𝐰𝐚𝐫𝐝 𝐢𝐧 𝐖𝐞𝐚𝐯𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐂𝐮𝐥𝐭𝐮𝐫𝐞’.

The award ceremony was held today at the Royal Textile Academy in Thimphu, with Her Majesty the Queen Mother Sangay Choden Wangchuck as the Chief Guest. The event was also graced by His Excellency the Prime Minister, Ministers, and other distinguished guests.

This prestigious recognition, generously supported by the William H. Geiger Family Foundation Inc., honours her lifelong dedication to preserving Bhutan’s rich textile heritage, particularly the intricate art of Küshuthara weaving.

Background of the Award

This prestigious award was established under the Weaving Into the Future Program (WFP), generously supported by the William H. Geiger Family Foundation Inc. The idea of this award was conceived in 2021 when the staff of the Royal Textile Academy travelled across the country conducting workshops, training, and other WFP programs. During these visits, it was observed that there were elders who continue to practice and preserve the traditional methods of weaving, keeping these invaluable traditions alive for future generations. Thus, this award reflects our heartfelt commitment to preserving Bhutan’s textile traditions and celebrating those whose passion and hard work have left a lasting mark on our cultural
heritage.

Therefore, unlike other awards, it is not presented annually but is based solely on merit. It is a recognition reserved for those whose contributions truly stand the test of time, making an enduring impact on Bhutan’s cultural legacy. Moreover, this award can directly or indirectly encourage the community in appreciating their existing artforms which in turn helps in community development.

Objectives

1. To Celebrate Excellence:
   This award recognizes individuals who have demonstrated exceptional skill, artistry, and dedication to Bhutanese weaving. These are individuals who uphold and elevate the traditions that define our cultural identity.
2. To Preserve Tradition:
   By honoring artisans like today’s recipient, the award helps ensure that our weaving traditions, techniques, and stories continue to flourish and are passed on to future generations.
3. To Inspire the Next Generation:
   This award highlights the importance of hard work, creativity, and resilience. It encourages young weavers to embrace and sustain this craft.
4. To Promote Cultural Awareness:
   The award shines a light on the significance of Bhutanese textiles. These textiles are more than just functional or decorative; they are a living art form and an essential part of our national identity.

Award Highlights

1. Cash Prize: Nu. 100,000:
   This cash prize is a token of appreciation for the recipient’s years of hard work and devotion to preserving Bhutan’s weaving traditions.
2. A statue of Tshepamey:
   The Buddha Tshepamey, known as the Buddha of longevity, symbolizes the blessings of long life, health, and the continuation of one’s efforts over time. Aum Sither’s dedication to the art of Küshuthara weaving, which she began at the age of 14, reflects not only the longevity of her practice but also the enduring value she has brought to Bhutan’s textile heritage.
3. Certificate of Recognition
   This certificate represents formal recognition from the Royal Textile Academy and the broader community for the recipient’s role in safeguarding Bhutan’s weaving traditions.
4. Future Commitment:
   Her Majesty the Queen Mother has graciously pledged a contribution of Nu. 50,000 from the Kidu Fund to Aum Lhamo’s family in the unfortunate event of her passing, as a gesture of gratitude for her lifelong dedication.

Recipient’s Background
This year, we are proud to recognize Aum Sither Lhamo, a 90-year-old master weaver from
Khoma, Lhuentse, as the first-ever recipient of this distinguished honour. Aum Sither began her weaving journey at the age of 14 and has since dedicated more than 76 years to mastering the intricate art of Küshuthara weaving, one of Bhutan’s most iconic textile crafts. Her life’s work reflects extraordinary skill, commitment, and a deep sense of responsibility to preserve this tradition for the future. Despite her age, she continues to pass on her knowledge and skills, embodying the very essence of this award’s purpose.

This is a proud moment for Bhutan as we honour an individual whose dedication has safeguarded and enriched our textile traditions for generations.