Celebrating a Living Legend: Her Majesty Honors Master Weaver Aum Sithar Lhamo

Her Majesty the Queen Mother Gyalyum Sangay Choden Wangchuck, the Royal Patron of the RTA conferred the inaugural Living Legend Award in Weaving Culture upon master weaver Aum Sithar Lhamo of Khoma, Lhuentse. The award ceremony recognized Aum’s seven decades of unparalleled dedication to the craft.

At 90 years old, Aum Sithar Lhamo embodies the profound spirit of Bhutanese textile art. Beginning her weaving journey at the age of 14, she has spent a lifetime mastering the intricate and iconic art of Kushuthara weaving, preserving complex patterns and techniques for generations.

The Living Legend Award is the highest recognition conferred by the RTA’s Weaving into the Future program which celebrates individuals whose lifelong contributions have left an enduring mark on Bhutan’s cultural legacy. This important recognition, which includes a cash prize and a statue of Tshepamey, the god of Longevity, is generously supported by the William H. Geiger Family Foundation.

The award shines a well-deserved spotlight on Aum Sithar Lhamo’s unwavering commitment which continues to inspire countless young weavers and reinforces the national pride in Bhutan’s rich textile heritage.