Archery (Dha/Datse)
Since the admission to the UN in 1971 archery is officially the national sport of Bhutan and the only olympic contest.
For Bhutanese, archery however is more than sports, it is an expression of cultural identity with connection to the spiritual world and their Gods.
The roots of archery are deeply entwined in myths' and legends about indian saints and Ramayana's Hanuman, who arrow-shot the multiple headed King Lanka; the anti-Dharma demon rulers anihilated by the arrow of King Gesar and many more such tales. Bow and arrow in the hands of Gods are known as "bow of enlightment" or "arrow of wisdom" but also appear as common tools for hunting and weapons of war.
This mythical background also explains the function of the former bhutanese Tsips. Tsips have been a kind of medium or derwish, allegedly fitted with supernatural powers to guide arrows according to their wish. Archery teams therefore hired them
to gain advantage during a competition.
This mythical background also explains the function of the former bhutanese Tsips. Tsips have been a kind of medium or derwish, allegedly fitted with supernatural powers to guide arrows according to their wish. Archery teams therefore hired them
to gain advantage during a competition.
Bhutanese coin on the occasion of the Olympic Games in Athens.