Technological and Spiritual Knowledge in Bhutanese Terracruda Sculpture
Abstract
This article examines the materials, techniques, and religious significance of Buddhist terracruda sculpture in Bhutan, where it continues to be practised as a living tradition. Based on fieldwork conducted in 2024, it documents clay selection, paste preparation, modelling, repair, and maintenance through workshop observations, temple visits, and interviews. It explores the integration of material practices, ritual requirements, and specialised knowledge transmitted through artists lineages and formal training. The study offers comparative insights for interpreting archaeological terracruda sculpture across Buddhist Asia and informing its conservation.
open access | peer reviewed
Submitted: Aug. 7, 2026 | Published Forthcoming | Language: en
Keywords Sacred image-making • Material culture • Traditional knowledge • Buddhism • Clay
Copyright © 2026 Mònica López-Prat, Susan S. Bean. This is an open-access work distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution License (CC BY). The use, distribution or reproduction is permitted, provided that the original author(s) and the copyright owner(s) are credited and that the original publication is cited, in accordance with accepted academic practice. The license allows for commercial use. No use, distribution or reproduction is permitted which does not comply with these terms.
Permalink http://doi.org/10.30687/979-12-5742-112-0/007