Khampa Nomad Arts
staff

COOPERATIVE STAFF INCLUDE:

Djarga Mira is our primary product finder.  Born in the Tagong (Lhagang) area, he has spent his life as a nomadic herder.  This fact alone is almost enough to make him an expert in Khampa folk art – he has used and made these things from the time he was a small child.  In addition to this, he has an eye for quality and a high atandard of quality.  His job for the Cooperative is to go to far off areas and locate artisans, to negotiate with them, help them understand market demands and interests, and create continuing relationships with them, to help them create work that meets the standards of the Cooperative.

Djarga was the source of the original idea for the Cooperative, which started with selling small saddle bags designed by him, Angela, and some friends.  In addition to organizing and training artisans, he himself designs, weaves, and sews yak-hair and leather items, including large weavings, door hangings, yak decorations, saddle pads, and hand bags. 

For more information, click here.

Yama Dargi is an assistant product finder, and a trainee.  He was born in Luhuo (Dranggu) County to a farming family.  Currently he is working as an intern, and like Djarga, traveling to far off areas to find items and artisans.  He is gaining experience in translation for English-speaking staff, negotiating with artisans, and communicating with village people about folk art marketing. 

Angela Lankford is the Cooperative director and Entrepreneur Development Officer.  She organizes helpers, makes plans, researches markets, creates advertising, and generally runs the Coop.  She is learning a great deal about the ins and outs of this kind of business!  Angela is an American who has lived in China since 2001, teaching Environmental Studies and then moving on to do Economic Development projects in Kham.  She lives here because she loves the land and the people.  For a short bio, click here. 

Samantha Duchaine is our USA distributor and bookkeeper.  She is currently a student at Western State College in Gunnison, Colorado.  She participated in a trek with Angela and Djarga, and wants to continue her connection to this area. 

Yang Guo Ping (Hailin Droma) is the Cooperative Office Manager-in-training.  Educated in accounting, she is currently learning to use the computer (in English).  She is a long-time resident of Kangding town, though she hails from Jintang District, far off in the county.  We have high hopes she will stay with us!