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A Glimpse of Stunning Mizo Textiles – The Puanchei
Most are now woven on power looms but a few are still made on back-strap looms.A Glimpse of Stunning Mizo Textiles – The Puanchei
The Puanchei:
The Puan is the simple wrap-around skirt with a few colors and simple motifs. The Puanchei the the Puan worn by the bride at her wedding and remains one of her greatest treasures! It is worn only in celebrations and festivals. Each tribe historically had a unique motif / design that helped to identify the wearer’s tribe.
The Senior Puan is worn by seniors and consists of a diamond motif. A Glimpse of Stunning Mizo Textiles – The Puanchei
The Thangchhuah puan is a garment that men must earn the right to wear. Brave feats in hunting followed by a lavish ceremony confer the highest social status on the man and the Thangchhuah puan is a visual notification to the world of this social status.
The Tawlhloh Puan was historically worn by men who have earned merit during a war with other tribes. It is like a medal or badge of honor.
Originally each type of Puan was meant as a symbol of communicating either status or state – but today the traditional usage has been diluted and the different Puans may be worn simply for aesthetic reasons.
A few from the WovenSouls.com collection
The numbers produced are small – since these traditional textiles are now worn only on special occasions.
With a little commercial boost, it may be possible to hold on to this beautiful weaving tradition.
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jm
April 2014
4 comments on “A Glimpse of Stunning Mizo Textiles – The Puanchei”
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Informative and interesting.
This page is a good attempt at providing information on Mizo Puans. I just want to highlight couple of points that needs to be corrected.Most Puans are not made on power looms but on frame looms. Senior Puans are worn by any age group. The name of the diamond shaped motif is Senior. Lastly, the photograph of the Puanchei should be rotated around 180 degrees so that the motifs running vertically look like V’s(for victory).
Thank you Susan!