{
  "id": 338553,
  "title": "A Tibetan cooperative keeps a centuries-old weaving tradition alive",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/08/09/a-tibetan-cooperative-keeps-a-centuries-old-weaving-tradition-alive",
  "topic": "business",
  "section": "Business",
  "published": "2026-08-09T02:53:01.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "Associated Press",
    "slug": "associated-press",
    "url": "https://apnews.com/article/china-tibet-weaving-pulu-woolen-fabric-b6caa4a220db4b9699e9427bf95a1aa5"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "In Shannan, a town in Tibet's western China, workers at the Ethnic Huaji Handwoven Cooperative sit at wooden looms, meticulously weaving Pulu, a traditional woolen fabric that has sustained the Tibetan plateau's inhabitants for centuries. Founded in 2008 by Tibetan artisan Pasang, the cooperative employs over 100 local residents, including those with disabilities, and aims to safeguard one of Tibet's oldest weaving traditions while generating jobs for the community. Pasang's cooperative specializes in Zeter, a finer variety of Pulu crafted from the soft wool of sheep's necks and backs, which he claims was once presented as a diplomatic gift to China's imperial court during the Ming dynasty. Pasang learned Zeter weaving from his parents at a time when fewer than ten people still possessed the skill, and he hopes to inspire younger generations to maintain this craft, which has been designated as part of China's national intangible cultural heritage. The wool for Zeter is sourced from sheep raised in the Shannan region, situated at an elevation of approximately 3,700 meters (12,100 feet) above sea level.",
  "summary": "Workers weave Pulu, a traditional wooden fabric into clothing, at wooden looms near statues of Princess Wencheng and Tibetan King Songtsen Gampo at the Ethnic Huaji Handwoven Cooperative in Shannan in western China's Tibet Autonomous Region on July 23, 2026, as seen during a government organized visit for foreign journalists. (AP Photo/Ng Han Guan) 2026-08-09T02:23:11Z SHANNAN, Tibet (AP) — More…",
  "key_points": [
    "Ethnic Huaji Handwoven Cooperative preserves centuries-old Tibetan weaving tradition.",
    "Founded in 2008 by artisan Pasang, employs over 100 locals, including disabled individuals.",
    "Zeter, finer Pulu variety, crafted from soft sheep wool, designated national intangible heritage."
  ],
  "editors_take": "The cooperative's efforts to preserve the traditional weaving technique and generate local jobs ensure the long-term survival of a cultural heritage that has been integral to Tibetan life for centuries.",
  "illustration": "https://urgent.news/ill/338553.png",
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 2,
    "also_reported_by": [
      {
        "outlet": "The Korea Times",
        "title": "Tibetan cooperative keeps centuries-old weaving tradition alive",
        "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/08/09/tibetan-cooperative-keeps-centuries-old-weaving-tradition-alive",
        "published": "2026-08-09T03:47:02.000Z"
      }
    ]
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}