Special Handicrafts in Tibet

Handcrafts has been an indispensable part of Tibetan people's life since ancient times. What they wear on the body and head, hang on the waist as well as labor tools, home furnishings, house decoration, etc., each piece is closely related to the craft. The most famous and common ones are the following.

Tibetan Woodcarving

Woodcarving is a part of traditional Tibetan culture and art, including the contents of religion, art, ethnic life and architectural decoration. The art of woodcarving painting in Tibet has a long history, which reflects the ideology and sentiment, the simple national temperament and wisdom of the Tibetan people. 

Tibetan Tapestries

The Tibetan Tapestries are the traditional handicrafts in Tibet. Their styles vary according to local customs. There are carpets, tapestries and cushions in the style. The features of Tibetan carpets include: unique weaving method, bright and harmonious color, soft and delicate carpet surface, unfading washing and durability. The Tibetan Tapestries' pattern has a strong ethnic color, so it has a high value of appreciation and collection.

Tibetan Mask

The mask of Tibet is a kind of handicraft derived from religion, which is called "Ba" in Tibetan. It is generally divided into three types, namely, "mask of jumping god", "mask of hanging" and "mask of Tibetan opera". The patterns of the jumping god mask include ghosts, talismans, faeries, animal totems, etc., which are mainly used in the festival of the temple.

Tibetan Knife

The Tibetan knife is a must for Tibetans. It can be used to cut meat, protect themselves, or as a special decoration. Men's Tibetan knives are generally rough and sharp while women’s Tibetan knives are delicate, small and exquisite. 

Yak Bone Accessories

Yak is the best friend of the Tibetan people and is honored as a beautiful sacred animal by the Tibetan people. The yak bone, as a kind of unique adornment, has the characteristics of primitive nature, bold and vigorous thus can add a kind of feral charm to the wearer! 

Tibetan Jewelry

Jewelry in Tibet includes pearls, agate, gold and silver products. Different Tibetan adorn article has different moral, and the different design implication of the same kind of Tibet adorn is different also, but basically means blessing. Tibetan bracelets and rings are usually made of Tibetan silver, inscribed in Sanskrit, which can ward off evil spirits and pray for good fortune.

Tibetan Medicine

As one of the oldest medical traditions in the world, Tibetan medicine is gradually being brought into the limelight as Tibetan culture draws much public attention both at home and abroad.

Tibetan Thangka

Thangka, seen in every monastery and family shrine in Tibet, is actually a kind of Tibetan scroll-banner painting and is a unique type of art that belongs to the Tibetan culture. 

Check Tibetan ornaments.