Dress and Ornaments

Dress

Faskai

t’s like a special shirt that Tiwa women wear for important celebrations. It goes around their upper body, covering their chest and torso. The designs on it are unique to their culture.

Nara

This is like a belt but for more than just holding up pants. Tiwa people use it to keep their clothes secure around their waist. It’s like a big, colorful ribbon that adds a nice touch to their outfit.

Tagla

This is something special for Tiwa men. It’s like a badge that shows they’re part of the Tiwa tribe, kind of like how a flag represents a country. It’s a piece of cloth they wear proudly to show their identity.

Kasang

Imagine a long skirt that Tiwa women wear. It starts from their chest and goes down to cover their knees. It’s similar to what some other tribes in Assam wear, but it has its own unique style and patterns.

Thana (Length)

This is a big cloth that Tiwa women drape around themselves. It’s like a long scarf but much bigger. They wear it in a special way during ceremonies and festivals. It’s a symbol of their culture and traditions.

Thalisa

This is like a small, decorative cloth that both men and women use. It’s not as big as the others, but it still holds significance in Tiwa culture. They use it for different things, like wiping their hands or decorating their homes.

Jim

This is like the Tagla but for Tiwa men. It’s a piece of cloth they wear with pride to show they belong to the Tiwa tribe. It’s part of their traditional outfit and they wear it during important events to honor their culture.

Ornaments

Gorosolo (Necklaces)

These are ornamental chains worn around the neck. Tiwa women often wear necklaces made of beads, shells, or sometimes metals like silver or brass. These necklaces are usually colorful and are worn to enhance their attire during special occasions.

Thonga/Phulia (Earrings)

These are earrings worn by both men and women. They come in various shapes and sizes, crafted from materials like silver, brass, or gold. The designs can range from simple to intricate, and they are worn as adornments for the ears.

Bala/Balaighor (Bracelets and Bangles)

Tiwa women wear bracelets and bangles on their wrists as decorative ornaments. These can be made of metal, beads, or colorful threads. They add a touch of elegance to the wrists and complement the overall attire.

Khongdi (Anklets)

Anklets are worn around the ankles, usually by Tiwa women during dance performances or festive occasions. They can be made of metal, beads, or shells and produce rhythmic sounds as the wearer moves, adding to the music’s ambiance.

Bisorjani (Nose Pins) Some Tiwa women wear nose pins as decorative ornaments. These are delicate pins usually made of silver or gold and are worn on the nose. They are considered symbols of beauty and tradition.

Jhumkhi/Mudoi (Head Ornaments)

These are ornaments worn on the head, like tiaras or hairpins adorned with beads or jewels. Tiwa women wear them to accessorize their hairstyles during special events or ceremonies, adding a regal touch to their appearance.

Gotholi (Waistbands)

Waistbands are worn around the waist by both men and women. They can be decorative and are often made of beads or metals. These waistbands complement the traditional attire and serve as symbols of cultural pride.