THE 76 HOUSES: 15. Tadongshar
Tadongshar is the first of the houses in the Oedepug area to be restored by THF. It is one of the oldest buildings in the Oedepug area, currently government-owned. Main problems are cracks in the walls, leaking roof, and infiltration of toilet liquids into main walls and adjacent rooms. The residents try their best to maintain the house and to keep the courtyard and entrance area clean. The house in its present form is at least 200 years old, but its history dates back to the 7th century when it was a caravanserai and guest house for visitors of the Tibetan royal court. (from Report 98) for color pictures (below) click on the pic to see an enlargement: use your back button to return)
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| Arga ladies working on the small
roof of Tadongshar (on left in drawing of facade above), seen from the West (left), and from the street below (right) |
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 The "Arga Ladies" at work They spend hours tamping the special clays (Tib.arga) of the roof to make an impenetrable barrier, all the while singing traditional songs. The "Arga Ladies" are not only a great repository of technical know-how and tradition, but also a great repository of traditional song. It is said that they are not a popular marriage choice, as they continue their tamping and shuffling even in their sleep! (right) (photos I. Alsop Nov. 1998) |
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| The auspicious Mongolian taming the Tiger, at the head of a stairwell. | |
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| Left: a mason works on a window opening in Tadongshar, with the roofs of the Jokhang in the background: Right, interior, 2nd floor of Tadongshar. | |
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| Left: Tadongshar rooftop with Jokhang in background: right, THF Director Andre Alexander on Tadongshar roof. | |
