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.

CLICK HERE TO VIEW MORE MIZO TEXTILES IN THE CONTEMPORARY TRADITIONAL TEXTILES GALLERY

jm

April 2014