Handicraft of Ladakh

When it comes to talk about the craft, Ladakh represent a unique place for its exquisite craftsmanship. The Leh-Ladakh crafts projects the unique art and cultural heritage of the region. No Ladakh boasts of a large-scale artistic craftsmanship. More Arts and Crafts in Leh, Ladakh serve the needs of the local population. For many it is the main source of livelihood.

In the last years, the most luxurious items were acquired through imports. Even today, most of the antique shops in town are owned Leh Kashmir or Tibetans. But if you are a lover of art and originality Atrue, head of the village of Chiling. The village located near 19kms by Nima Zanskar River is an exception in traditional Ladakhi. This village consists of a society of metal workers, who are considered descendants of artists from Nepal. These artists from Nepal arrived here in the middle of the 17th century to build a colossal idol of Buddha at Shey. Since then, the descendants exert their hereditary trade. These craftsmen produce a wide variety of beautiful items for religious and national by using copper, silver and bronze. Thus you will find tea and chang pots (chapskyan) hookkah-bases, teacup stands, spoons and bowls here, to mention a few. Sometimes, you can also find some silver chorten (stupa). These are usually made for installation in national shrines and temples.

However, refrigeration appliances are quite heavy on the pocket and, therefore, most locals prefer to use the bowls, pots and agricultural utensils made by local blacksmiths (better known as gara).

One can see the best of metal and wood work in the kitchens of the richest households Ladakh. Proudly showing large stoves and iron ornate decorated with precious stones made by the skilled hands of gara. Exquisite wood work can be seen in the form of beautifully carved large wooden platform, low tables Ladakh curves in classrooms. The artistic skills of local artisans are also projected on the beams or pillars in monasteries and even in some hotels. Actually, crafts in this region has not gone beyond the production of everyday items.

Some other crafts style of Leh-Ladakh are Pattu and baskets. Pattu is a warm wool fabric and rough. The baskets are woven willow twigs or a particular type of grass. They are used to carry fresh vegetables, manure to fields and even babies. Furthermore, Thangka painting, traditional dyed wool shoes with leather soles, pashmina shawls, carpets, woolen clothes handwoven prayer wheel hand.

Most of these items mentioned above can be obtained either on request or can be purchased in the District Craft Centre, Leh. There you can also find some special items such as painting Thangka and pashmina shawls. Thangka paintings made according to firm rules passed down from generation to generation are a rare visual treat.

The coexistence of Ladakh season is the perfect time to buy the handicrafts of this state, as the natives of the remotest corner out to sell their artifacts. These artifacts are handmade and require much effort, so avoid negotiation.