Tsug-dul and Tsug-gdan- Woollen Pile Rugs of Ladakh

Due to being a cold desert land, Ladakh uses woollen and thick fabrics to make a variety of cloths. Tsug-dul and tsug-gdan are woollen pile rugs made of narrow woven strips sown together.

The strips are first woven on sked-thags/ backstrap looms using a technique called the loop-pile structure. The pile is cut afterward to give the fabric a shaggy edge.

The tsug-dul is made of six strips woven together and is used as a blanket, while tsud-gdan is made of three strips and is either used as a wall hanging in the rooms and kitchens or as floor coverings during ceremonies and feasts. Both rugs are made out of natural wool or hair obtained from sheep, goats and yaks.

The tsug-dul is accented with coloured acryllic and the tsug-gdan with coloured motifs. The colours are similar to those seen in painted woodworks and installations in monasteries.

The tsug-dul is also bordered with flower-like medallions in the centre called mentokh. Some even have a chequered pattern called cholo. These are believed to have been derived from the rgya-nag Icags-ri, The Great Wall of China.

The tools used in the production are thak/loom, neyn/thread heald, neynyuk/heald rod, tak wooden beater, urlu/shed stick, chetakh/backstrap, puri /pirn, czsikpa/two wooden pieces to hold cloth and shill/lease rod.