Who is Jordan Lepcha, the craftsman who makes bamboo caps? Who will be honored with Padmashree?

Who is Jordan Lepcha: Discover the story of Jordan Lepcha, a Sikkimese artisan awarded the Padma Shri for his intricate bamboo caps, showcasing the cultural heritage of the Lepcha tribe.

Learn about the historical events and family values depicted on these unique hats, crafted with skill and passion.

The Bamboo Cap Craftsman Honored with Padma Shri 2024.

Jordan Lepcha, a Sikkimese craftsman who makes bamboo caps depicting stories of historical events and family values, has been selected for the Padma Shri for 2024.

‘Caps are the identity of the Lepcha tribe.’

The 50-year-old craftsman, a resident of Lower Lingdong in Mangan district, has been preserving the cultural heritage of the Lepcha tribe for the last 25 years.

Describing the caps as the identity of the Lepcha tribe, he said.

Hats are worn at important ceremonies and formal events.

The Jordanian Lepcha has preserved the ancient art of traditional Lepcha hat weaving and bamboo crafts. He is one of the handful of skilled bamboo craftsmen.

Lepcha said that only locally available natural materials are used in making caps. Historical events are depicted on the caps, such as weddings of kings, popular Lepcha folktales, etc.

How long does it take to prepare bamboo hats?

It takes about one and a half months to prepare bamboo caps and its price ranges between Rs 15 thousand to Rs 25 thousand.

Jordan Lepcha said it is possible to manufacture six or seven hats in a year. This work requires time, skill, and concentration, as it is labor-intensive work.

Jordan Lepcha started it in 2003 intending to preserve the community’s identity.

He told about it to more than 150 youths from different parts of Sikkim. He said that these caps gave me an identity in the society.