Ranqiu began his career as a guide after graduating from the college. With no sense of belonging nor achievement, Ranqiu was physically and mentally exhausted. So he returned to Hongyuan County, his hometown in Sichuan Province.
Considering creating some job opportunities for himself and people around, Ranqiu established a hand weaving workshop named “The Northern Shepherd”.
He deems that hand-made things in traditional way would be respected and valued as the society advances.
There was no cotton and silk on the plateau. So Tibetans used to make household items, like Tibetan robes, raincoats, hats, etc. with animal fiber.
The tenacity and warmth of yak hair and wool protect Tibetans from the wind and cold.
Hats, scarves, handbags and wallets made by the workshop (Photo/Yi Wenwen)
Ranqiu mobilized seven village women from his hometown to join the workshop since local women are good at hand weaving. Two of them are from impoverished families.
According to Ranqiu, all items in his workshop are handmade. Online sales platform was launched and their products have been sold to America and Japan.
Ranqiu noted that they had two consignment stores in Beijing. The negotiation of the partnership with a store in Lhasa is underway.
Yak felt making (Photo/Yi Wenwen)
Hats, scarves, handbags and wallets made by the workshop (Photo/Yi Wenwen)
It is believed that these featured plateau handicrafts would impress the world with their unique charm.
