A visit to Store #15 is
not unlike a visit to any other Tibetan artifact store in Mcleod Ganj.
You are greeting with a warm smile from Namgyil, the shopkeeper. The walls
, shelves , and display cases are crammed with traditional Tibetan objects
- some fro wearing, some for playing, some for hanging - all for admiring.
One could browse for hours - and one often does - at the detail of wodcarved
masks and etched silver instruments. Such beauty, such uniqueness,
such history adorn these walls. The colors are magnificent.
The bright red coral stones set in the jewelry and the shiny silver horns.
The peaceful sea blue of the turquoise stones that decorate everything
from rings, earrings, and necklaces to wall hangings and headpieces.
The clothing is a hearty wool or cottopas, hats, hand woven or spun into
capes, coats, chupas, hats - you name it. No space goes unutilized and
you may find yourself discovering your special Tibetan treasure underneath
someone else's. Whether you want to shop, browse, learn about Tibetan
culture, or all three, visit Store #15 and share a smile with Namgyil.
Your support and interest in these treasures will in some small way help
to continue the culture of these spiritual souls of Tibet.
Jill Hutton
February 1999
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