Tsering Sangmo Lama & The Weavers of Sama

Woven by Hand, Carried by Heart: The Rugs of Sama Valley

For the artisans of Sama, selling their rugs means not only an economic opportunity but also a chance to pass on traditions to younger generations.

High in the remote Himalayan valley of Sama, Nepal, under the towering presence of Mount Manaslu, Tsering Sangmo Lama and the women of this community practice an ancient craft: weaving Tibetan rugs from yak and sheep wool. This time-honored tradition is passed down through generations of Tibetan mothers and daughters, weaving together Tibetan cultural and spiritual identities.

Each rug is carefully created by hand, from wool preparation to hand-dyeing with natural pigments, spinning, and intricate weaving. The women of Sama use traditional motifs—mountains, clouds, and lotus flowers—related to their daily lives as Tibetan Buddhists. They use the rugs to sit and sleep while keeping their homes warm in the snowy winters and adding beauty to their lives. 

The journey of each rug is as extraordinary as the craft itself. Transported by porters and mules down the mountains, carried by bus to Kathmandu, and flown across continents, these textiles are a testament to the families, monks, and nuns in Sama, where living poses significant challenges. With no road access, reaching the valley takes six days on foot, and survival during the harsh winters relies on their limited crops and the goods they barter.

Traditional Tibetan carpet weaving is becoming increasingly challenging as many migrate to larger urban areas. For Tsering and these fellow weavers, selling their rugs means not only economic opportunity for women and their families but also a chance to pass on the art form to younger generations and keep their traditions alive.