Traditional Craft
The link between religion and craft is very strong in Sikkim. Images and icons related to Buddhism, the predominant religion of the people of this state, are seen in almost every form of art and craft here.This is especially true in the case of thangkas.The thangkas are paintings dedicated to Buddha and his teachings. It is believed that in the process of spreading the light of Buddhism, the great teachers of this faith visited Tibet. They carried the manuscripts and depiction of the teachings in pictorial form.These pictures inspired the artists of Tibet so greatly that they initiated this art form called thangkas, which dealt only with subjects related to Buddha. For the Tibetans it is a great tradition and has much religious importance as well.
Thangkas came to Sikkim along with the Bhutias.The subject matter of these paintings seem very deep and mystical. Including the warmth of the Mahayana teachings and the tantric values of Vajrayana teachings, these paintings carry out each thought explicitly.It is said that merely by looking at Thangkas, a human being can get rid of his worldly worries.The background can be white or minutely filled with small details. All the colors used in this painting have special significance. These paintings are done with dedication, concentration and passion and a deep religious feeling of doing something directly related with the supreme power. This engrosses the artists for months together because of its long preparation and completion time. Once created, these Buddha paintings are preserved with much care.
Sikkim's mask dances are famous all over the world. Performed by lamas in the monasteries, these dances demonstrate the graceful footwork of the dancers and of course, the brilliant mask making abilities of the people.
Costumed Lamas with gaily painted masks, ceremonial swords and sparkling jewels, leap and swing to the rhythm of resounding drums, trumpeting of horns and chanting of monks.The dance on Saga Dawa is especially fascinating. On this day people go to monasteries to offer butter lamps and worship.
Sikkim is famous for woven woollen carpets, table called Choktse, Hand made paper, Woolen blankets and traditional motifs and unique designs.
Foremost among Sikkim's products are the beautiful hand woven woolen carpets with traditional Sikkimese motifs and unique. These attractively designed carpets are in great demand in Sikkim and abroad.
The handsome woolen texture is durable, plush and they are dyed not with synthetic dyes but traditional vegetable Sikkimese dyes.
Choktse, the foldable table from Sikkim is one of the well known product in India and abroad. Choktse are prepared in varying designs and dimensions. Hand made paper is another product demanded inside and outside the state.
The traditional Sikkimese weaves and woolen blankets which can be designed into bags, shawls, jackets, opulent Sikkimese thankas (traditional tapestry ), leather works, dolls, variegated applique work, batiks, an exquisite selection of dolls and a variety of fashionable garments for modern people are the other specialties of the state.
Carpet Weaving
The women of Sikkim practice what is perhaps the oldest form of carpet weaving in the world. The tradition is essentially Central Asian and a frame loom is used for the purpose. The women of the Bhotia community are believed to be expert weavers. The warp is prepared from cotton and is stretched on a frame. A small section is woven in plain weave. After this the woolen thread is introduced and a long metal rod is laid along the warp threads. Different colors of wool are introduced into the pattern and so are a number of rods. After about 3-4 rods, the loops are cut with a knife and a pile is created. The patterns commonly woven onto the carpets are a dragon holding a ball in his mouth or stylized floral motifs. Patterns are also borrowed from Buddhist iconography. Geometrical patterns are popular, too. Most patterns draw heavily on the surrounding beauty of the landscape and remind one of snow clad mountains surrounded by the sky and the brown and red earth and flowing waters. Even today, young students are taught the traditional art of carpet weaving as well as that of making thangkas, the traditional painting art of Sikkim.
Wood Carving
Symbolism has played a critical role in Indian art since time immemorial. In Sikkim, this is seen in its woodcarvings. Monasteries and many buildings in Sikkim are richly decorated with symbols and icons. These symbols are painted or embossed on the walls or on thangkas (paintings), or depicted in the exquisite woodcarvings that adorn these monasteries. Many monasteries are also decorated with wooden carvings. For instance, the Pemayangtse monastery, surrounded by mountains, glaciers and passes, has a number of elegantly carved wooden sculptures.
