Gari- Inheritor of Tibetan Bangdian and Kazhi Handicraft Art in Shannan, Tibet
Gari (嘎日), born in November 1963 in Gongga County (贡嘎县), Tibet, is a prominent Tibetan artist and the representative inheritor of Tibetan Bangdian and Kazhi Handicraft Art (藏族邦典、卡垫织造技艺), a traditional weaving technique that has been recognized as part of China’s National Intangible Cultural Heritage. Gari’s contributions to preserving and revitalizing these ancient Tibetan crafts have earned her widespread recognition and admiration.
Early Life and Craftsmanship
Gari began learning Bangdian weaving (邦典编织) at the age of 12 under the guidance of her elders in her hometown of Jiedexiu Township (杰德秀镇), Gongga County. She mastered the intricate weaving techniques and became skilled in various stages of the process, including shearing wool and dyeing using traditional methods. She is particularly adept at using natural dyes derived from walnut husks and tree leaves, creating vibrant and unique color combinations for the woven items.
Establishing a Tradition and Business
In 2002, Gari founded a family-run workshop and training center, which later grew into the Galsang Apron Farmers’ Cooperative (格桑围裙农民合作社). This initiative allowed her to provide training and employment opportunities for local women, with cooperative members earning a daily wage of 80 RMB. With the support of local government policies, the cooperative was officially upgraded in 2007, generating an annual revenue of over 400,000 RMB, and its products were exported to Nepal, Europe, and other regions.
Preservation of Intangible Heritage and Recognition
Gari has been a driving force in the preservation and transmission of this traditional Tibetan handicraft art. Her efforts were recognized in 2017, when she was included in the list of recommended candidates for the fifth batch of national intangible cultural heritage inheritors.
In 2018, she was nominated as a candidate for China’s Intangible Cultural Heritage Annual Person of the Year (中国非遗年度人物), a prestigious honor recognizing her dedication to the survival and promotion of Tibetan crafts. In 2022, the Tibet Autonomous Region Intangible Cultural Heritage Protection Center conducted a comprehensive documentation of her work, with the project valued at 377,000 RMB.
Social Impact and Family Legacy
The Galsang Apron Farmers’ Cooperative has significantly improved the lives of local families, with an annual net income of 40 to 50 million RMB and cooperative members earning 80 RMB per day. Gari’s efforts have not only created jobs for impoverished families but also provided an avenue for preserving and passing on traditional Tibetan weaving skills.
Her daughter, Danzeng Zhoga (旦增卓嘎), who learned the craft from a young age, is now the city-level inheritor of the Jiedexiu Bangdian Weaving Art (杰德秀邦典编织技艺). Danzeng has taken over the responsibility of managing the cooperative and has successfully incorporated modern design elements into the traditional crafts, ensuring their relevance in the contemporary market.
Honorable Recognition and Influence
Gari’s Bangdian Weaving (邦典编织) craft has not only earned her national recognition but has also significantly contributed to the local community by promoting economic development through sustainable handicraft production. Her impact extends beyond craftsmanship to include social upliftment and the nurturing of future generations of artisans, particularly within her family.
Through her ongoing commitment, Gari continues to pass down these ancient Tibetan weaving traditions and ensure they remain a living and evolving part of Tibet’s rich cultural heritage. Her story is a testament to the power of cultural preservation and the importance of community-centered economic development.
