Tsa-Tsa
Everywhere in Bhutan, besides dzongs, chortens, temples, small cone-shaped clay castings (mini-stupas) can be found tucked away in holy and sacred niches, clinging to rocky outcroppings near caves, piled high at the foot of prayer wheels, and even floating down rivers on rafts of sacred wood, such as cedar and sandalwood. These votive earthen offerings are called Tsa-Tsa, pronounced with a silent T.
Each Tsa-Tsa is placed with loving tenderness and devout belief in its powers. Each one of them is an ancient prayer for the well-being of a beloved human – living or departed – and has its own individual story to tell.