Ladakh Handicrafts

Thus, Ladakh being an ancient and isolated region would have been manufacturing implements for their regular use from time immemorial which were manufactured chiefly from materials that were handy or available nearby and in doing so a form of art and craft developed which in later stages came to be identified as handicraft items of that region.

When there is a talk of handicraft items, there is a unique place of

Ladakh handicrafts

for its beautiful craftsmanship. The Ladakh handicrafts projects the inimitable art and cultural heritage of the region. Ladakh does not brag of a creative craftsmanship on a huge scale. Most Art and Crafts in Leh-Ladakh provide the need of the local people. For many it's the main source of earning livelihood.

In the yester years, most abundant articles were acquired through imports. Even today, most of the antique shops in Leh town are either owned by Kashmiris or Tibetans. But if you are a true lover of art and originality, head on to the village of Chiling. The village situated nearly 19kms up the river of Zanskar from Nima is an exemption in Ladakh handicrafts. This village consists of a society of metal workers, who are considered to be the progeny of artists from Nepal. These artists from Nepal came here in the middle of 17th century to build a massive idol of Buddha at Shey. Since then, the descendants are carrying on their hereditary trade. These artisans create an array of beautiful articles for religious and domestic purpose by using copper, silver and brass. So, you will find tea as well as chang pots (chapskyan), hookkah-bases, teacup stands, ladles and bowls here, to mention a few. Occasionally, you may also discover some silver chorten (stupa). These are generally made for installation in domestic shrines and temples.

However, in Ladakh handicrafts, the artifacts from chilling are quite heavy on ones pocket, therefore, most of the local people favor to use the bowls, cooking pots and agricultural implements made by local blacksmiths (better known as gara).

One can see the finest of metal and wood work in the wealthier Ladakhi homes' kitchens. They proudly display big and complex iron stoves decorated using precious stones made by the deft hands of gara. Exquisite wood work can be witnessed in the form of wonderfully carved large wooden shelf, low curved tables in Ladakhi living-rooms. The creative skills of local artisans are also projected on the wooden beams or pillars in monasteries and even in some hotels. Actually, craftsmanship in this region has not gone beyond producing items of daily use.

Some other signature method crafts of Leh - Ladakh handicrafts are Pattu and Baskets. Pattu is a warm and rough woolen fabric. Baskets are woven of willow twigs or particular kind of grass. They are used for carrying fresh vegetables, dung to the fields or even babies. Besides, Thangka painting, traditional tie-dyed woolen shoes with leather sole, pashmina shawls, carpets, hand woven woolen clothes and hand prayer wheel.

The welcoming season of the Ladakhi is the perfect time to buy the handicrafts of this state, as the natives from the furthest corner come forth to sell their artifacts. These artifacts are handmade and require a lot of effort, so avoid bargaining.