Hingtham

A category of intricate Bhutanese textiles hand-woven by women, traditionally for personal and familial use or for noble families who historically employed them in hereditary service; and today on special commission from wealthy patrons. The term is Dzongkha for ‘heart weaving’, which alludes to the time and dedication involved; hingtham textiles are characterised by meticulous craftsmanship, complex weaves and patterning techniques such as sapma and thrima, and the use of high-quality natural fibres and dyes. Aikapur and kushuthara are well-known hingtham textiles, used respectively for the men’s gho and women’s kira. Hingtham is contrasted with tshogtham, or commercial weaving, which is less elaborate, faster, cheaper and of lower quality.