The Karbis,are the predominant tribal ethnic group in the Karbi Anglong district of Assam, have a rich and diverse tradition of clothing and jewelry. These cultural elements are lovingly crafted, primarily using locally grown cotton and Eri silk.
In Karbi Anglong, the demand for traditional attire remains high, cherished by both the young and old alike. Karbi women weavers are dedicated to preserving and modernizing these unique styles, ensuring the vibrant colors and ancient designs continue to flourish.
Karbi people are the main tribe of Karbi Anglong and West Karbi Anglong districts of Assam.This blog explores the traditional attire of the Karbi tribe for both men and women.
Intriguing Attire for Karbi Women:
Pini
Pini is a type of skirt of black colour and worn around the waist tied with a belt.
It can be of different designs like jangre, santok, honki ranchom, marbong homkri, ahi cherop, chamburukso apini, mekserek etc.
PiniPekok
Pekok
It is a square piece of cloth worn over the right shoulder, available in a variety of colors and designs.
It can be of different colours and designs such as pe seleng, pe duphirso, pe khonjari, pe luru, pe jangphong and pe sarpi.
Pe sarpi was generally for older women, pe sleng, pejangphong for middle aged women and pe duphirso for young women.
But this is not followed any longer
Pekok is now produced largely by power looms outside Karbi Anglong, although the quality may not match that of traditional weavers
JisoVamkok
Jiso
Jiso, a long black cloth with enchanting designs and fringes, once graced the bust.
In modern times, this legacy of beauty has been transformed into short blouses for both comfort and contemporary allure
Vamkok
Vamkok is the belt used to secure the Pini skirt, adorned with colorful fringes.
Various designs such as amekpi, amekso, abermung, and more are crafted on traditional looms
Captivating Attire for Karbi Men:
Traditional Attire of Karbi man
Choi – The Dapper Jacket:
Choi, a dapper jacket with a captivating array of types such as Choi hongthor and Choi miri, adds a dash of style to Karbi men’s fashion.
Distinctions based on age, while traditional, have evolved to offer versatile fashion choices.
2. Poho – The Graceful Headwear:
Poho, a graceful headwear or muffler, adds an aura of tradition to Karbi men’s attire.
These headwear options, from simple long white poho to poho kelok, are meticulously designed and cherished.
3. Rikong – A Time-Honored Loin Cloth:
Rikong, an age-old loin cloth, was once an essential part of men’s work attire, though rarely seen today.
Choices range from rikong jongjong with vibrant designs to simple white rikong bamon.
4. Sator – The Dhoti Redefined:
Sator, a graceful piece of white cloth, stands as a symbol of tradition, serving as a dhoti that covers the legs.
The intricately designed long pe seleng complements the classic look, enhancing Karbi men’s style.
Karbi Folk Jewellery
Karbi Folk Jewellery
Traditional Karbi artisans have created unique jewellery pieces, including:
Lek: Neck ornaments crafted from materials like silver, gold, coins, and colorful beads, featuring various designs like lek sobai, ser alek pongting, and more.
Roi: Bangles made of brass, silver, or gold worn by both men and women, with distinct designs like Roi pengkhara and Pinso
Arnan: Rings made from brass, silver, and gold, often featuring coins and designs such as Rup Arnan and Arnan Sengkreng.
Nothengpi: Distinct ear adornments, with elderly Karbi women stretching their ear lobes to fit bamboo tubes. This style was fashionable in older times and included ornaments like Kadengchinro
Conclusion
The timeless traditions of Karbi attire and jewellery stand as treasured expressions of cultural identity. While they face the winds of change, the preservation of these art forms is paramount. These exquisite creations distinguish the Karbi tribe, preserving their unique cultural heritage for future generations.
The Bodo community, with its rich cultural heritage, boasts traditional costumes and ornaments that not only serve as a form of self-expression but also carry deep historical significance. Weaving is a cherished art in Bodo society, with a woman’s expertise in weaving being a marker of respect. These traditional dress materials, handwoven by the Bodo women themselves, are adorned with splendid designs that showcase their remarkable creativity, skill, and deep-rooted cultural traditions. In this blog, we will delve into the traditional costumes of the Bodo community, exploring the attire worn by both men and women.
“Grace Woven in Threads: The Distinctive Attire of Bodo Men and Women”
GamsaAronai
Gamsa : It is a traditional male dress, measuring 1.5 meters in length and 1.2 meters in width. It is typically tied around the waist, covering the area from waist to the knee. Additionally, it serves as a versatile towel for bathing. The ‘Gamsa’ is meticulously woven with an array of colours, including green, soft red, and combinations like white and green, white and blue, and more
Aronai : It is a traditional muffler of the Bodos where the floral pattern used is again the ‘Hajw or Pahar Agor’. Today the colorful Aronai is a symbol of Bodo’s way of showing love and hospitality to the world. Bodos traditionally welcome their revered guest with Aronai and it has to be mentioned that Aronai and it has been mentioned that Aronai with its unique design and bright colours is highly appreciated by everyone in any corner of the world who ever have come across it. The aronai is a muffler used by men, especially during their performance in cultural or religious festivals.
Jacket/ KhotgoslaDokhona
Jacket/KhotGosla: The sleeveless front-opening jacket, known as ‘KhotGosla,’ comes in a variety of colours such as yellow, green, red, and white, each featuring unique decorative designs. The ‘KhotGosla’ is crafted using both hand and machine sewing techniques.
Dokhona : Dokhona, the traditional dress of the Bodo women is a one-piece garment that is wrapped around a body in a unique style giving a look of two-piece wear. The word ‘ Dokhona’ means six corners (Do means six & Khona in Bodo means corner) and if observed carefully the Dokhona when wrapped & worn gives six corners.
A dokhona measures three and a half meters in length and one and a half meters in width. Bodo women tie the dokhona around the chest,just above the breasts, and let it flow down to the ankles.
The common colour in Bodo dresses is mainly all shades of yellow, orange and green which has been expresssed as ‘Gwmw Gwthang Batho Gang’. (Gwmw is yellow & Gwthang is green). These colours were perhaps preferred by Bodo women because the dyening for these colours was easier to extract from the roots, tubers, barks, and leaves found in nature.
Jwmgra / Fashra
Jwmgra or Fashra( Bodo Scarf): Dokhona worn by women is incomplete without a Jwmgra.Jwmgra is a shoulder scarf worn by Bodo Girls.It is also known as Fasra,Pali or Rege-Regang.
Bodo Jwmgra is the most beautiful and attractive piece with designs where Bodo girls bring out the beauty of nature. ‘Hajw or Pahar Agor’ Jwngra with the designs of hills & scenery is the most adored scarf used by Bodo women both young and old.
Conclusion
The traditional costumes of the Bodo community are a testament to their unique culture and artistry. These garments are characterized by bright colors, intricate patterns, and fine designs, reflecting the Bodo people’s creativity and tradition. While Bodo individuals once cultivated their own cotton, they now source yarn from local markets, contributing to the popularity of their textiles among non-Bodo communities.
Nagas are the various ethnic groups native to northeastern India and northwestern Myanmar. The groups have similar cultures and traditions, and form the majority of population in the Indian state of Nagaland.
The Nagas are celebrated for their vibrant and intricately designed clothings with each tribe having its own distinct costumes, motifs, designs and dress pattern. Each of the Naga tribe is distinguishable from the traditional clothing they adorn. The various traditional clothings of the Nagas are symbols of their cultural as well as their individual identity. Each cloth had its own special meaning which determined the status of the wearer. Wearing of traditional attires was bounded by strict social customs. Clothing restrictions and taboos were observed against wearing certain clothes because of their associated symbolic meanings. Violating the socially enforced clothing norms was seen as a grave offence. Heroism and being possessors of fertility is a highly pursued quality and these cultural values are reflected in their clothings. An attempt therefore, is made to understand the social values, beliefs, traditions, the social significance of Naga traditional clothings and associated aspects to gain a better insight in understanding the Naga society as a whole
Captivating Colors and Symbols:
The Naga traditional dresses are a mesmerizing blend of colors, patterns, and symbols that set them apart from other regional costumes in India. The vibrancy of these outfits reflects the Naga people’s deep-rooted connection to their culture and traditions.
“Naga Shawls: Weaving Cultural Elegance into Every Thread”
Naga Shawls are the most distinctive and famous within in India and all over the world. Naga Shawls are not mere wrap against cold they are highly symbolic and are the traditional dress of Nagaland. They are a part of every celebration. They have a distinctive pattern that is primarily red and black in colour. They are worn by various Naga tribes. There are around 16 tribes in Nagaland and each has its own distinctive design and colour combination
“Weaving Wonders: The Craftsmanship Behind Naga Shawls”
Naga Shawl are made with narrow loin looms. The Shawls are woven with a rayon weft and weaving is done mostly with cotton . The shawl is beautified with figures woven on the centres such as elephants, tigers, cocks and circles, representing human heads.
Naga Shawl
Naga Shawls are mostly made of red and black wool. These shawls are famous for their unique designs and motifs. They have distinctive patterns with traditional design motifs including simple clean lines, stripes, squares and bands
“Exploring the Diversity: Types of Naga Shawls”
Naga Shawls are available in a vast variety. It varies on the basis of design and the tribes using them. Some of them are as follows:
Tsungkotepsu Shawl: It is the characteristic cloth of Ao tribe and is woven on a dark base. It signifies affluence of the owner, and the depictions of elephants and tiger speaks of the courage of the concerned man, while the human head attests accomplishment in head- hunting and other tasks like weilding spear and dao.
Rongsu Shawl: It is one of the most decorative shawls worn by the Ao tribes and is mainly a male shawl. It is wearable only by those who have a glorious heritage of Mithun sacrifice, committed by the forefathers and also by the individual himself.
Angami Naga Shawl: This is a black shawl with thick bold embroidered animal motifs.It is mainly worn by the warriors of Angami tribe.
Supong: It is a worn by the Sangtam tribe and used by the rich people.
Rongkhim: Rongkhim is a fantastic shawl, wearable by a venerated warrior only. This is the most beautiful shawls worn by Yimchunger Naga tribe. It is red and black with narrow grey bands at the two edges. There is a wide spectrum of shawls woven by the Yimchunger Nagas.
Traditional Attire of Naga Men:
Traditional Nagaland dresses for men are a fascinating embodiment of the region’s culture and heritage.These garments not only serve as clothing but also convey a deep sense of tradition, status, and identity. Let’s delve into some of the most iconic traditional outfits worn by men in Nagaland.
Naga men’s traditional clothing exudes a blend of handwoven fabrics, intricate patterns, and extravagant accessories. Key components of their attire include:
Traditional Dress of Naga Men
1. Alungstu: The Symbol of Prosperity
Among the diverse range of Nagaland’s traditional attire, the Alungstu emerges as a poignant symbol of affluence and accomplishment. This distinctive garment is reserved for the prosperous men of Nagaland, embodying a charm that eloquently communicates their elevated social status. The Alungstu’s remarkable features include its vivid yellow color and meticulously detailed floral patterns.
Adding to its allure is the fact that these exquisite designs are exclusively handcrafted by skilled artisans hailing from specific tribes. Consequently, every Alungstu becomes a tangible testament to the exceptional craftsmanship and artistic prowess woven into the cultural tapestry of Nagaland. The garment not only adorns its wearer but also serves as a living canvas, narrating stories of tradition, skill, and the rich heritage of the region. The Alungstu is more than just a piece of clothing; it encapsulates the essence of Nagaland’s cultural identity, reflecting the pride and heritage of the community.
2. Kilt: The Cowrie-Adorned Attire
The Kilt, another distinctive traditional attire in Nagaland, holds a special place and is often chosen for various occasions. In contrast to the Alungstu, the Kilt serves as a utilitarian garment and is typically adorned in a deep black hue. What distinguishes the Kilt is its intricate embellishment with cowrie shells. Before these shells grace the fabric, they undergo a meticulous process of being expertly rubbed on a stone, ensuring a seamless integration into the garment’s design.
It’s noteworthy that the responsibility of crafting a Kilt typically falls upon the wearer, adding a personal touch to this traditional piece. The cowries that elegantly adorn the Kilt transcend mere decoration; they carry profound symbolism within the Nagaland community. These shells are believed to represent success, not only in matters of love but also in times of war, infusing the wearer with an aura of prestige and accomplishment. The Kilt becomes more than just attire; it becomes a symbolic expression of resilience, achievement, and the cultural identity of the Nagaland people.
Traditional Garb Worn by Naga Women”
Traditional Attire of Naga Women
Azu Jangup Su: The Festive Skirt
Azu Jangup Su, with its red and yellow striped skirts, is an embodiment of festivity and special occasions in Nagaland. These vibrant skirts are reserved for marking significant events in the wearer’s life. The striking red and yellow stripes create a visual spectacle, symbolizing joy, celebration, and cultural pride. When a woman dons the Azu Jangup Su, she not only adorns herself but also carries the spirit of festivity wherever she goes.
Mechala: The Graceful Wrap
Mechala, a gracefully draped cloth, is an integral part of Nagaland’s women’s attire. Worn around the skirt and shawl, the Mechala complements the overall ensemble. It adds an element of elegance and charm to the traditional attire, enhancing the wearer’s grace. Beyond its functional purpose, the Mechala serves as a canvas for artistic expression, often featuring intricate patterns and designs unique to Nagaland’s cultural identity.
Neikhro: A Unique Petticoat-Like Attire
Nagaland’s women also embrace the Neikhro, a distinctive dress that resembles a petticoat in design. The uniqueness of the Neikhro lies in the mesmerizing combination of colors and patterns adorning these costumes. Each Neikhro tells a story through its design, reflecting the wearer’s tribal or clan affiliations, and adding depth to her identity. This dress showcases the profound connection between tradition and individual expression among Nagaland’s women.
Moyer Tusk: The Timeless Dark Blue Cloth
In contrast to the vibrant colors of some Nagaland dresses, the Moyer Tusk is a timeless, dark blue cloth that exudes simplicity and elegance. This ordinary-looking cloth, however, carries a touch of artistry with a band featuring zigzag patterns at the end. While it may appear unassuming, the Moyer Tusk holds its own significance within Nagaland’s cultural landscape, embodying a sense of tradition that transcends the need for extravagance.
In Nagaland, traditional dresses for women are more than just garments; they are a living testament to the culture’s vitality and significance. Each dress carries with it a unique story, a connection to tradition, and a celebration of individual and collective identity. As women adorn these dresses, they become a part of the rich tapestry of Nagaland’s cultural heritage, ensuring that tradition and artistry continue to flourish in the modern world.
Naga women’s traditional attire is a stunning display of vivid colors, intricate weaves, and fine craftsmanship. Key elements of their traditional clothing include:
Conclusion
For the Naga people, traditional attire is more than just a way to cover the body; it’s a visual language that speaks of social distinction, status, and identity. Each pattern and motif in the shawls carries deep semiotic meanings, and elements like tattooing and the use of hornbill feathers symbolize leadership and high status. Naga attire is a cultural mosaic where objects like animals, birds, and human heads convey sociological and semiotic meanings, making it a profound reflection of their identity in the context of Naga culture.
The Dimasa community, known for their vibrant culture and traditions, showcases their unique identity through exquisite jewelry and ornaments. These adornments, fashioned from precious and semi-precious stones, such as coral (known as Phowal in Dimasa Language), metals like silver, and coins, take center stage during festive occasions like “Bushu.” Let’s delve into the world of Dimasa jewelry and explore Khadu (bracelets), Rangbarsha (coin necklaces), Jongsama, Rmailik, Khamaothai (earrings), and Shukhep (headgears) in this captivating blog.
The Tradition of Passing Down:
These jewels and ornaments hold profound significance and are often passed down from mothers to daughters. In the absence of daughters, they are cherished heirlooms shared with the nearest female relative of the same female clan, known as “Jahdi.”
Diversity in Dimasa Ornaments:
Dimasa men typically wear Yaocher and Kharik, whereas Dimasa women adorn themselves with an array of ornaments, including Jongsama, Rangbarsha, Rmailik, Chandrawal, and more.
Rmailik, a term derived from “RMAI” (colorful stripes on upper garments) and “Lik” (beaded necklace), is a vibrant beaded necklace. It boasts a mesmerizing combination of yellow, green, black, blue, and white microbeads, creating a striking piece of jewelry that graces the necks of Dimasa women.
Rmailik – The Colorful Beaded Necklace:
Rmailik, a term derived from “RMAI” (colorful stripes on upper garments) and “Lik” (beaded necklace), is a vibrant beaded necklace. It boasts a mesmerizing combination of yellow, green, black, blue, and white microbeads, creating a striking piece of jewelry that graces the necks of Dimasa women.
2. Jongsama – Beads, Coral, and Silver:
Jongsama is another enchanting necklace, composed of colored microbeads, coral stones, and beads crafted from real silver. It is a symbol of grace and tradition that Dimasa women proudly wear, accentuating their beauty and cultural identity
3.Phowal – The Garland of Coral and Silver:
Phowal, a stunning garland, is a unisex accessory adorned by both Dimasa men and women. Crafted from coral and pure silver beads, it embodies the essence of Dimasa tradition. When coral is scarce or expensive, red-colored and metal beads are used as alternatives.
4.Chandrawal – Silver Flowered Elegance:
Chandrawal, also known as Chandrahaar, is an exquisite piece designed as a silver flower. Worn by Dimasa women, it comes in two variations – Chandrawal Renshi (made of three rows) and Chandrawal Renbri (made of four rows). Each piece symbolizes elegance and grace.
5.Rangbarsha – The Traditional Coin Necklace:
Rangbarsha is a traditional Dimasa necklace adored by girls and women alike. This enchanting piece is crafted from silver coins, narrating stories of heritage and tradition
6. Khamothai – Earrings of Elegance:
Khamothai, a charming earring, is yet another piece of jewelry adorning the necks of Dimasa girls and women. It adds a touch of elegance and allure to their overall appearance.
7.Khadu – The Silver Circlet:
Khadu is a bangle or circlet adored by Dimasa women. Exquisitely crafted from pure silver, it graces their wrists, signifying their cultural pride.
Conclusion
The Dimasa community’s traditional jewelry and ornaments are not merely adornments but vessels of heritage and culture. In this blog, we’ve taken a journey through the exquisite world of Dimasa jewelry, celebrating their unique identity and traditions through the lens of these stunning pieces.
In the heart of Assam, where the Brahmaputra River winds its way through lush landscapes, a hidden gem awaits discovery. The Mishing tribe, with their vivid culture and time-honored traditions, form a living mosaic of Assam’s heritage. In this enchanting odyssey, we embark on a voyage of wonder, delving into the captivating world of the Mishing tribe’s traditional attire and intricate jewelry. This is a journey into a realm of colors, patterns, and stories steeped in history.
Traditional Dress of Mishing Males: Where Colors Weave the Tapestry
The signature sleeveless jacket of the Mishing men, the Mibu Galuk, comes in a dazzling array of colors. Whether it’s white, black, red, green, or yellow, each one is adorned with intricate designs. These jackets, hand-sewn or machine-made, are reserved for special occasions and festivals, adding a touch of grandeur to the festivities
Mibu GalukErpob
1. Mibu Galuk:
The signature sleeveless jacket of the Mishing men, the Mibu Galuk, comes in a dazzling array of colors. Whether it’s white, black, red, green, or yellow, each one is adorned with intricate designs. These jackets, hand-sewn or machine-made, are reserved for special occasions and festivals, adding a touch of grandeur to the festivities.
2.Erpob:
It is a maflar, hang around the shoulder. Woven in red colour with cross stripes of differentcolours, black, white, yellow etc the stripes may be thickly or thinly placed transversely over the whole length of cloth.
Eri- ShawlDumer
Tapum-Gasor (Eri Shawl):
For the cold winters, Mishing men wrap themselves in the warmth of Tapum-Gasor, woven from hand-spun eri silk yarn. Whether plain or adorned with simple motifs, these shawls are a fusion of fashion and functionality.
Dumer:
Resembling the Assamese Gamocha, the Dumer is a versatile cloth, predominantly white with a striking red border. This cloth serves as a shoulder wrap, turban, or even a towel in everyday life.
Tongali DumerUgon (Dhoti)
Jinrek or Tongali Dumer:
Slightly longer and wider than Dumer, Jinrek adds another layer of style with its red floral and geometric motifs, often tied as a waist girdle over Galuk and Gonro Ugon.
Ugon (Dhoti):
The traditional white Ugon is a daily staple for Mishing men, but for special events, they opt for the Gonro Ugon with exquisite decorative designs, elevating their style.
Traditional Dress of Mishing Females: A Symphony of Elegance
GeroEgeMosang gasor
Gero: These beautiful waist and chest ornaments, woven with red and black patterns on a white background, transform Mishing women into symbols of grace
Ege: Covering the lower part of the body with elegance, Ege is a Mishing woman’s daily companion. With variations like Mosang Ege, Geging Ege, and Tapum Ege, they exhibit a diverse array of styles.
Mosang Gasor: Paired with Mosang Ege, Mosang Gasor exhibits matching colors and designs, exuding a sense of harmony in the Mishing ensemble.
Sori PotaliPe:Re:Ri: Bi and Gaseng
Segreg: While mainly used by older women at home, Segreg is a plain cloth with contrasting borders, adding a touch of tradition to everyday life.
Ku-Pob: Grown-up Mishing girls embrace Ku-Pob, a fabric akin to a dupatta, wrapping it beneath their armpits and covering the upper body. The choice of white, green, or blue with contrasting borders accentuates their beauty.
Sori Potali: A close cousin of Gero, Sori Potali features a checkered body with a simpler design, adding a touch of sophistication to the Mishing women’s attire.
Pe: Re: It is also a type of Gero. The cloth is designed with narrow stripes of red, black, yellow, green and white colour with black or green border. Stripes of red colour predominate to give out a reddish appearance of the cloth.
Ri: Bi and Gaseng: Adorned with striking stripes and red floral motifs, Ri: Bi and Gaseng add a festive touch to the attire of young Mishing girls.
Conclusion
The traditional costumes of the Mishing tribe are more than just garments; they are a canvas of culture, a palette of tradition, and a testament to the beauty of heritage. With a rich blend of vibrant colors and intricate patterns, these attire pieces encapsulate the essence of the Mishing way of life.
In the past, Mishing people cultivated their own cotton, but the winds of change have brought them to local markets for yarn, marking a new chapter in their journey. Interestingly, their unique designs are not confined to their community alone; they’re finding resonance in neighboring cultures.
This exploration of Mishing attire is not merely an appreciation but a key to preserving the fabric of tradition. It paves the way for the expansion of traditional textiles, the safeguarding of indigenous art forms, and the evolution of designs to cater to diverse tastes. By doing so, these folk arts continue to serve as vivid reminders of the culture and tradition that define the myriad peoples dwelling in different corners of our world.
