Bhutan - The Brokpa - A Brokpa woman holding a ball of hand-spun sheep wool

A Brokpa woman holds a ball of sheep wool which was spun using a drop spindle called a Yoekpa, Merak, Eastern Bhutan. The Brokpa, the semi-nomads of the villages of Merak and Sakteng are said to have migrated to Bhutan a few centuries ago from the Tshona region of Southern Tibet. Thriving on rearing yaks and sheep, the Brokpas have maintained many of their unique traditions and customs. Given the geographic isolation of many of Bhutan's villages, there are 16 different dialects and 14 regional groups in the country. Many tribes have kept alive their distinct cultural identities through their dress, language and traditions over the years.

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Filename: A0030342cc_1.jpg
Copyright: Tessa Bunney
Image Size: 4000x2999 / 1.3MB; Asia Eastern Bhutan Himalayan Kingdom woman sheep wool Brokpa semi-nomadic semi-nomad ethnic minority tribe Merak hand-spun textiles Tessa Bunney rural Bhutan culture
Contained in galleries: Tessa Bunney - All pics, Bhutan

A Brokpa woman holds a ball of sheep wool which was spun using a drop spindle called a Yoekpa, Merak, Eastern Bhutan. The Brokpa, the semi-nomads of the villages of Merak and Sakteng are said to have migrated to Bhutan a few centuries ago from the Tshona region of Southern Tibet. Thriving on rearing yaks and sheep, the Brokpas have maintained many of their unique traditions and customs. Given the geographic isolation of many of Bhutan's villages, there are 16 different dialects and 14 regional groups in the country. Many tribes have kept alive their distinct cultural identities through their dress, language and traditions over the years.