ITS ALL FOLK

Norbu is a collective in the making, what would be a first-of-its-kind Craft-to-Conservation enterprise linking Livelihoods and Ecosystem Stewardship in the Eastern Himalayas of Arunachal Pradesh. 

 

In the Eastern Himalayas of Arunachal Pradesh, yak herding Brokpas are the stewards of the forests. Nature is the source of all ‘NOR’ i.e. wealth for the Brokpas. A fertile grazing area, a prosperous season or a yak may be

called Norbu - a precious jewel, representing the blessings of nature.

Norbu conveys both material and spiritual wealth for the Brokpas.

Norbu embodies the nature’s abundance in the Eastern Himalayas, transforming indigenous fibers into artisanal products that honour the deep respect and gratitude Brokpas have for their livestock and their lands.

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This collection has been a year in the making in collaboration with the yak

herding Brokpas of Arunachal Pradesh. The collection from farm to closet has passed hands of herders in the remotest pastures of the Eastern Himalayas to 15 amazing women from our Brokpa Tsokpa (collective) who hand spun and hand wove the materials. This is a first of its kind intervention with indigenous wool of Arunachal Pradesh.

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Norbu brings an opportunity to the yak herding Brokpas to derive a sustainable livelihood and bolsters their economic resilience to continue engaging in protecting their natural heritage and cultural identity.

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