THINGKHAB | THE ACUMEN OF A LADY

 

Long ago, during the reign of the second King, a lady was shown into the King's chamber for an appeal. Before she was granted what she wished for, out of jest, her intelligence was put to test. It is said that the King's court attendants served her a cup full of suja (butter tea) followed by kaabche (wheat flour) pouring over it. The fullness of the cup made the lady more nervous to eat. No spoon was given. Using her tongue to suckle or lick was inappropriate and even if she did, breathing out could blow up the flour all over place making an ugly scene. Dipping a finger and stirring could spill the tea as well. At the King's chamber, one had little option to refuse, even politely. So, all she ought to do was gobble up no matter what. 

The court attendants were watching her intensely. 

At that critical moment, the lady pulled out one of her Thingkhab (brooch/ཐིང་ཁབ), pierced the tip of its needle through the flour and without spilling a drop of tea and flour, she comfortably relished what was being served to her. 

Her intelligence brought a huge sigh of relief on the faces of court attendants. 

Impressed, not only did the King grant her appeal but also bestowed a soelra (reward) for her acumen. 

Thingkhab on the shoulders of Azhi Phuntsho Chodroen.

What is Thingkhab anyway?

Thingkhab -  Brooches shaped like a long pin were originally used by the women as dress fasteners, and necklaces were attached to the large rings to balance the weight. The thingkhab is now obsolete and has given way to a more contemporary version called the koma (Source: Royal Textiles Academy). Thingkhab comes in pairs. 

Thingkhabs were common wedding gifts from parents to their daughters. In addition to their aesthetic value and practicality in securing the kira, Thingkhab can also serve as a weapon in the event a woman needs to defend herself from any untoward male advances (Source: Mandala Collections).

Thingkhab on the shoulder of Azhi Pedroen (the eldest daughter of the first King of Bhutan)

🅂🄾🅄🅁🄲🄴🅂:

Story of the lady: Former Driglam Lobey Karma Tshering.

Picture: Thingkhab by Shejun, Mandala Collections.

Pictures: Azhi Phuntsho Chodroen and Azhi Pedroen by G. Sheriff, Museum of Mankind.