ABOUT

The chupa is a traditional robe used by the Tibetan people. Designed to protect Tibetan nomadic tribes from the extreme cold climate of the Tibetan plateau, the chupa was originally made with Yak and Sheep skin. When China took rule over Tibet in the 1950s, thousands of Tibetans fled to India. The chupa was adapted to the warmer weather of India, and this version is made with a much lighter cotton and silk. Once worn as an everyday garment, a chupa is now mostly worn by Tibetans for special events as a way to represent their rich culture. Wrapped around the waist with a long sash, the long sleeves hang past the hands, and can be worn with one arm exposed. The front of the robe above the sash is used as a large pocket to store anything from money, personal items, food, and even infants. Today, the chupa ranges in style from the extremely ornate to solid, neutral colors. The chupa is worn with cowboy hats and boots in the summer, and fur hats in the winter. This particular chupa was gifted to LaGuardia Community College student Tenzin Gaden by her father, and holds  sentimental meaning to her. According to Tenzin, this garment “had special place in my heart because it represents my culture just by it and I got this from my father who I admire the most on the world.”

—Scottie Norton

ORIGIN
Tibet

APPROXIMATE DATE
Early 21st Century

MATERIALS
Cotton, Silk

COLLECTION OF
Tenzin Gaden