tribal clothing and textiles
Traditional Jacket, arunachal pradesh
The traditional garb of the Idu Mishmi tribe of Arunachal Pradesh is an exceptional body of wearing apparel capturing their cultural identity and handicraft. Said to be fairly tough and exquisitely designed, the jackets are embellished with motifs having symbolic meaning. Made traditionally of natural cotton or a variety of blended yarns, these jackets are not only for putting on, but also form part of cultural art representing the strong heritage of the tribe.
The tribe Idu Mishmi is an indigenous community, mainly established within the Dibang Valley of Arunachal Pradesh. With rich textile traditions and colorful cultural practices that bind them closely to the environment, weaving has been the most important aspect of their economy which has traditionally been women's work making these jackets and other garments that are functional and well symbolic of their cultural identity.
Usually, the Idu Mishmi jacket is made out of cotton, sometimes with variations in the use of natural or synthetic yarns. The cotton is selected for its comfort and breathability, while sometimes synthetic fibers are added for improved durability and added texture. This blend embodies the adaptability of the community, which uses whatever materials fit its needs and are available in the local environment.
The Idu Mishmi jacket is an upper garment, generally worn by men and sometimes by women, at traditional functions and in day-to-day activities. It is supposed to keep the wearer warm and protected, especially suitable for the cool climate of the region. The jacket is used mostly for ceremonies, which show respect for their traditions and exhibit the tribe's pride in their traditional attire.
The Idu Mishmi Jacket is not just a garment but represent the very craft and power of the tribe that it hails from. Patterns on the jacket speak a lot about the tribal symbols representing that particular community's connection with nature and spirituality. It is the type of clothing that enhances the pride and identity of the community through such ancestral flow in making it.
