|
Mizoram has rich and colourful range of
handlooms. However, of all these the
'Puan'
occupies a place of pride in a Mizo lady's
wardrobe. A Mizo lady is more fond of her
"Puan" than any of her other dresses
as the Puan consists of a colorful and breathtaking
display of intricate
designs.
'Puanchei',
this is one of the most beautiful
dresses worn by the Mizo girls. This is
worn on occasions such as weddings
and festivals such as 'Chapchar Kut' and
'Pawl Kut'.
In earlier times, these were all hand woven
but nowadays these are mostly machine made.
They are made from cotton and the colors
are made by a thing called 'Ting'. Along
with this, a blouse which is of the same
pattern is usually worn.
Ngotekherh
is worn in all festivals
such as 'Chapchar Kut', 'Mim Kut' and 'Pawl
Kut'. The colours used in this cloth are
black and white. These are also hand - woven
and are made of cotton. The black portion
of the handloom is made from some kind of
an artificial fur.
Puandum
is one of the most important
handlooms of the Mizos. These are made from
cotton and are handmade. This traditional
hand-woven cloth called 'Puandum' is also
wrapped over the shoulders while performing
'Khuallam', one of the famous traditional
dances of the Mizos.
A Puandum consists of black, red, yellow
and green stripes. Significantly, Puandum
is an indispensable item which every girl
has to take along with her when she gets
married. It is used to cover her husband's
body when he dies. This is an integral part
of the Mizo marriage and failure to bring
the cloth entails punishment leading to
a reduction in the bride price.
Hnika
is also worn on the various festivals.
It is one of the finest handlooms of the
Mizos. It is made from silk and cotton and
were all hand-woven in the olden days, but
nowadays they are all machine-made. It has
its origin among the Pawi tribe.It is equivalent
to the 'Puanchei' cloth among the Pawi tribe.
They wear it while performing the various
dances such as Cheraw and Sarlamkai during
the 'Kut' festivals.
Hmaram
is also known as 'Kawkpui zikzial'
and are mostly worn by the children and
girls. They are worn on the occasions such
as 'Chawn Day', 'Chhawnghnawh Day' and 'Chapchar
Kut'.
This is one of the first handlooms made
by the Mizos. They are usually made of cotton
and they are hand-woven.
Kawrchei
is worn on every 'kut' such as
'Chapchar Kut', 'Mim Kut' and 'Pawl Kut'.
It is one of the most beautiful blouses
worn by the girls. Like other clothes they
are hand-woven and are made from cotton.
This are usually worn along with 'Puanchei'
and while performing the various dances
of the Mizos
Taking home a water-proof Mizo hat (Khumbeu)
made with bamboo and leaves, as a souvenir
of Mizoram, is a must.
You will find a good selection
of traditional handloom shawls, bags and
bamboo handicrafts in Bara Bazar. If you
are looking for a variety and better quality
crafts, the State Government Emporium and
Hnam Chhantu are good places to start your
shopping spree.
Some of the other markets you
can explore are New Market, Ritz Market,
Bazar Bungkawn, Thakthing Bazar and Solomon's
Cave in Aizawl. Shopping centers at Lunglei,
Saiha, Champhai, Kolasib and other towns
are also good places to shop. |