Role and Status
The Handicrafts of Bhutan symbolize the identity of the country apart from being one of the most significant income generating activities at varied levels. Although, there is no organized undertaking in the rural areas, where majority of country’s people live, the practice of the locally manufactured woven fabrics, wooden masks, cane and bamboo products, wooden cups and bowls, handmade papers etc. are undertaken during the winter season when farmer have less farm works to generate their income. Such a practice also enables the particular craftsmanship to pass down from generation to generation among the farmers.
Handicrafts Emporium was subjected to numerous transactional changes till 1991. Over these periods, it also made significant changes in terms of expanding and diversifying its activities. It has now a Thanka and miniature painting unit, tailoring unit, woodcarving unit and also a carpentry unit under the same organization. Apart from this, it has three outlets in the country, one in the heart of the Paro town, and other at the Paro International Airport Terminal and one in central Bhutan, Bumthang district. Handicrafts Emporium now has become a central place for the visitors where all kinds of traditional handicrafts and contemporary products were made available to those desirous of purchasing souvenirs and gifts and in turn giving the Bhutanese rural craftspeople their livelihood, fulfilling the very aspiration and dream of the Late third King of Bhutan.