Clay Moulding

Geva-Tsongkhapa

Clay moulding has a special reference to this part of the state. There is a good number of craftsmen engaged, in preparation of statues for monasteries. Two giant size statues of 30 & 36 ft. were prepared in recent past of 1982 and 1985. Both of the statues of Maitraya Buddha and Padma Sambhave are now placed in Thiksay and Hamis monastry. Craftsman also prepare masks of the clay in exactly the same manner and with the same ingredients of cloth, flour, old waste paper glue. These ingredients are mixed together in a proportionate manner and then hammered with a wooden beater on a smooth stone.

The process continues till a thick dough is prepared. This dough gets shaped into different objects that are conceived by the craftsman. He gets a bit of help by small size of knives for his projection of lacquer twice to make it shining. The varnish also saves the object from moths and other kinds of insects which are perilous for flour and paper.