Bhutan Spinning
In Bhutanese culture, the art of weaving is strongly correlated with religion.[1]
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Drop spindles are called phang and spinning wheels are called haphang.[2]
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Nettle or stinging nettle, though now rarely used, is said to have been the original and chief fibre used by weavers in ancient Bhutan. Cotton is another common fiber found in Bhutan
Bhutanese do not kill the silkworm before it escapes the cocoon, so it is not a single, smooth thread. This is why the silk from Bhutan is not as smooth as the silk from India or China.
Wools are typically made from yak, sheep, and goat. They are spun on both drop spindles and on wheels.[2]
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Bhutanese woman spinning in a market[3]
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I love her spindle. I want to look at it closer![4]


References
[1] Izitndmy, “Textile in Bhutan - the Bhutanese Art of Weaving,” Bhutan Pelyab Tours And Treks, June 5, 2024, https://bhutanpelyabtours.com/textile-in-bhutan-the-bhutanese-art-of-weaving/.
[2] Thagzo: The Art of Weaving.” Ich Links. Accessed June 22, 2025. https://ichlinks.com/archive/elements/elementsV.do?elementsUid=13916806808844150811.
[3] Travelib Bhutan, Bhutan, Nobding Bazaar, Woman Spinning Cotton Thread by Hand on Wheel, July 22, 2012, photograph, July 22, 2012.
[4] Dennis Kirkland, Asia, Bhutan, Bumthang. Woman Spinning Yarn, April 26, 2010, photograph, April 26, 2010.