As the vast majority of Bhutanese in earlier times were illiterate and transmitted their worldview, values, principles, knowledge, skills, and practices orally, this project seeks to record and preserve Bhutan’s intangible cultural traditions, many of which are rapidly disappearing or undergoing transformation. With global influences reaching even the most remote corners, Bhutan’s traditional world faces unprecedented challenges.

Through funding primarily from the Arcadia Fund and in collaboration with the University of Virginia, the Loden team has documented a wide spectrum of oral traditions, religious practices, cultural events, arts and crafts, folk knowledge and customs, traditional games and sports, as well as languages and dialects.

We are currently developing a comprehensive database to house approximately 3,300 hours of audio‑visual recordings. In the meantime, much of this invaluable material is already accessible for viewing, offering a rare window into Bhutan’s living heritage.