By Editor It is true that when it comes to talking about Mizoram, people often feel fascinated not just about the scenery itself, but also because of the tribal culture and culture in general. And one way to peek into this culture is by seeing what people traditionally wear and even trying it out yourself. That’s why here we’re talking about the traditional dress of Mizoram, both for men and women.
Traditional Dress of Mizo Women
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The dresses of Mizo women are colorfully attractive, beautifully woven by hand, and carry a lot of significance. The Puan is their primary garment, a wrap-around skirt that is not only chic but also very functional.
Puanchei
The best known of these is the Puanchei, particularly its daring red, black, and white stripes, for which it is recognized. It is the garment that females adorn themselves with at significant festivals such as Chapchar Kut and Pawl Kut. As a Puanchei is woven with considerable time and meticulousness, hence, it is regarded as a special event when one is seen wearing it.
Ngote Kherh
The Ngote Kherh is traditionally indicated by black and white stripes, a piece of clothing that was used by both men and women; anyhow is now primarily worn by women. The material has a very light checked pattern which can be seen when the fabric is held up to the sun, proof of the weaver’s art.
Kawrchei
To harmonize with the Puan, ladies put on a Kawrchei, a white and sleeveless blouse that has a fresh and chic appearance. In the beginning, it was handwoven, but it later became mill-made during the British period. Right now, it is among the go-to dresses for any woman in the state when it comes to any event, festival or anything like that.
Dress and Status
In Mizoram, the dress of a woman might also be an indication of her life stage. Girls who have not yet married generally wear a Zakuolaisen, which is a bright red-striped blouse for festivals. Women who have a spouse tend to use the Puon Pie, which is plainer and more modest.
Tribal identity is a factor that influences the examples mentioned, such as Lusei women who wear blue cotton Puans with white jackets and cane-brass headpieces, whereas Hmar women have the black-and-white Hmaram.
Jewellery and Accessories
Accessories make the difference, no doubt. The Thihna (amber bead necklace) and Tangkathi (made of silver coins) stand for the past and the present. The likes of the Thibeh or Saiha Bengbeh earrings were condescendingly considered accessories for certain aristocratic classes only.
In particular, the Vakiria, a crown fashioned out of porcupine quills, beetle wings, and parrot feathers, is the most eye-catching. It is mainly worn by the Karaja people.
Traditional Dress of Mizo Men
Everyday Wear
As a rule, people are dressed in a big rectangular piece of cotton fabric of approximately seven feet in length. The cloth is wrapped around the body by men, and when it is cold, they wear one more layer. Mostly, the fabric is also used as a blanket, particularly for those boys who are living in the Zawlbuk dormitories.
Their outer garment in the cold season constitutes a white coat with red and black sleeve stripes that they complement with a white turban or pagri. The pattern could be straightforward, yet it serves its purpose like cozy, safe, and tidy. Always!
Tribal Styles
Different clans have a habit of adding slight changes to the men’s traditional attire. Lusei men normally go for all-white, and on occasions like festivals, they add a blue stripe or two. Hmar men put on the Kawkpui Zikzial, and Paite men who have made a brave face in the fight get the privilege of wearing the Thangou Puon.
Warrior and Honor Attire
There are certain clothes that represent a great deal of pride, too. Like, “Tawlhloh Puan,” which translates as “no retreat,” was a garment of warriors, only those were it were to fight till they won. The color of the tunic is black and white; it’s quite a minimalist design, but it signifies a lot.
And then, Thangchhuah was the supreme title that a human being could possibly obtain. It was done by holding grand public feasts and giving as a sacrifice a mithun (a big buffalo). After that, he can be permitted to have on the Puantial cloth, the Thangchhuah Diar turban, as well as a checked black shirt in the colors red, yellow, and white.