Tibetan Bangdian Handicraft Art

Location: Jiedexiu Town (杰德秀镇), Gongga County (贡嘎县), Shannan Region (山南地区), Tibet
Tibetan wool weaving has a long and rich history, with products like aprons and carpets being particularly famous. The Tibetan woolen apron, known as Bangdian (邦典) in Tibetan, is an essential part of Tibetan culture, serving both decorative and functional purposes such as providing warmth. Jiedexiu Town (杰德秀镇) in Gongga County (贡嘎县), Shannan Region (山南地区), Tibet, is renowned as the primary production hub for these traditional Tibetan aprons. The town has earned the title “Home of Bangdian” due to its centuries-old weaving tradition.

With over 1,000 years of history in wool weaving and 500-600 years of producing aprons, the town has maintained a thriving craft industry. Historically, Jiedexiu Town (杰德秀镇) was known for its many shops and looms, with the woven pulu (氆氇) being offered as tribute to the imperial courts. The famous Princess Wencheng (文成公主), who married Songtsen Gampo (松赞干布), is said to have worn pulu garments produced in this town. Over generations, Jiedexiu Town has refined its wool products, which now feature various patterns, colors, and techniques. The aprons are produced in almost every household in the town, and these traditional crafts are not only famous in China but are also exported to countries such as India, Nepal, Bhutan, and Western European countries.

In 2006, Bangdian weaving was recognized as a National Intangible Cultural Heritage (国家级非物质文化遗产) with the heritage ID number VIII-21.

Key Information

  • Heritage Name: Tibetan Bangdian Handicraft Art (藏族邦典技艺)

  • Approval Year: 2006

  • Heritage Category: Traditional Handicraft Art

  • Heritage ID: VIII-21

  • Region: Shannan Region (山南地区), Gongga County (贡嘎县), Tibet Autonomous Region

  • Key Inheritor: Zhongbu Gan (仲布甘)

Overview of Bangdian

History and Origins

The tradition of weaving Bangdian (邦典) in Jiedexiu Town (杰德秀镇) dates back over 1,000 years. The production of aprons in the town has a history of 500-600 years, with a rich tradition of weaving and dyeing passed down through generations. In ancient times, Jiedexiu Town (杰德秀镇) was home to numerous weaving shops, and every family owned at least one loom. The woven pulu (氆氇), which is used in the making of Tibetan robes, was highly regarded as an imperial tribute. It is said that Princess Wencheng (文成公主) wore pulu garments produced in Jiedexiu Town (杰德秀镇).

Throughout centuries of refinement, Jiedexiu Town has developed unique patterns, colors, and weaving techniques, making their woolen products highly sought after. Today, around 780 households (about 2,200 people) in the town produce Bangdian aprons, which are now sold not only in Tibet and across China but also in foreign markets such as India, Nepal, Bhutan, and Western Europe.

Crafting Process

Bangdian (邦典) aprons are made using high-quality wool. The production process involves several steps:

  1. Spinning: The wool is first spun into threads, then dyed using natural plant and mineral dyes. Over 20 colors can be created.

  2. Weaving: The threads are woven into strips, which are then sewn together to form the apron. The weaving process is delicate and precise, requiring skilled hands.

  3. Dyeing: The wool is dyed with traditional Tibetan techniques using rock and plant-based dyes, yielding vibrant and long-lasting colors.

  4. Finishing: After weaving, the apron is washed, dried, and brushed to ensure a soft and smooth texture.

The aprons are created using a combination of bold contrasting patterns for rural women and elegant, subtle patterns for urban wear. There are two main types of designs:

  • Wide-patterned Bangdian: Popular in rural areas, these aprons are made with strong contrasting colors.

  • Fine-patterned Bangdian: More common in urban areas, these aprons feature delicate, harmonious color schemes.

Evolution and Modern Development

While Bangdian (邦典) was originally used in traditional Tibetan robes and shoulder wraps, the designs have expanded to modern-day applications. The patterns from Bangdian have been incorporated into products such as:

  • Tibetan Carpets (藏毯)

  • Cushions (靠垫)

  • Wall Hangings (墙壁装饰)

These modern products are sold internationally, and their production has created employment for over 90 local people. Cooperative models have helped promote the craft to over 10 countries, showcasing the development and globalization of Bangdian weaving.

Introduction to Card Pads (卡垫)

Card pads (卡垫) are another essential traditional product of Tibetan craftsmanship. They are woolen mats, typically used as sitting cushions or bedding. These pads have been a staple in Tibetan homes and monasteries for centuries. Card pads are made from high-quality sheep wool and are designed to be soft, durable, and suitable for the harsh Tibetan plateau environment.

History and Crafting of Card Pads

The tradition of weaving card pads dates back to the 11th century in the Yanchu River (年楚河) region, which is now part of Bailang County (白朗县). The art of card pad weaving has been passed down and refined over generations, particularly in Jiangzi County (江孜县), which is known as the “home of card pads.” The intricate designs and rich colors of the Jiangzi Card Pad (江孜卡垫) have made it a highly sought-after item in both domestic and international markets.

Main Techniques

The weaving process involves the use of a handloom, a small wooden device that is placed at a slight angle against a wall. The loom is used to weave wool fibers into thick, tightly woven mats. Traditional Tibetan card pads are often decorated with vibrant patterns, such as dragons, phoenixes, deer, and flowers, showcasing the deep connection between the art form and Tibetan cultural symbolism.

The color palette of Jiangzi Card Pads (江孜卡垫) is also distinct, with dyes made from locally sourced leaves, roots, and minerals, giving the products their unique, rich hues. These natural dyes are long-lasting and resistant to fading, making the card pads not only functional but also a beautiful representation of Tibetan craftsmanship.