How to Use Loincloth: The Art of Its Diverse Applications in the Northeast
Discover the art of using loincloths in a variety of ways in the Northeast. From bathing to wearing around the neck, chest, or waist, the loincloth is a versatile piece of fabric used in many aspects of daily life.
In the Northeast, every ethnic group has the wisdom of weaving khaoma cloth, which is widely used as a multipurpose fabric. Northeastern loincloths are often woven with cotton for everyday use and with silk for ceremonial purposes. Some communities refer to loincloths as "Prae." For example, the Phu Thai group calls a large square loincloth with black and white stripes "Prae Talo," a men's bathing cloth often rolled between the legs and tucked at the back for better security. For women, a smaller square loincloth, called "Prae Ta Mong" or "Prae Ta Laliang," with alternating black, indigo, and white stripes, is used to wrap or cover the chest.
Silk Loincloth
Silk loincloths are often designed with striped patterns resembling the belly of an eel, giving rise to names like "Prae Pla Eel" or "Prae Sai Ian." In some northeastern communities, silk loincloths are woven in a purple tone known as "Phrae Si Pado." This type of loincloth is often used during ceremonies and is one of the fabrics used during kindong (wedding) ceremonies.
How to Use Loincloth
The loincloth in the Northeast has a variety of uses beyond being worn as pants for bathing or sitting while working. It can be used as a scarf around the neck, wrapped around the chest as a shirt, worn around the waist as a belt, tied to a package as a bag, draped over the shoulder to ward off insects, used as shade from the sun or rain, or tied to a cradle as a hammock. The loincloth has diverse applications and is a practical item in the daily lives of people in the Isaan region.
Summary
Pha Khao Ma represents a modern and diverse weaving art in the Northeast. The variety of loincloths involves not only the weaving and decoration of fibers but also the culture and traditions of the people in the area. Its use in both daily life and ceremonies makes the loincloth a meaningful and important element in the art and culture of the Isan region.
For those who are interested in purchasing silk to sew luxury dresses, you can visit and choose fabrics at our shop. Explore our wide variety of plain silk, Mudmee pattern silk, native silk, and national silk, each with different shades and meticulous cutting quality, at www.silkket.com. Our shop is committed to preserving this beautiful culture. For assistance in choosing products and additional advice, contact the Chap Mai store team through LineOA: @chobmai. Thank you for your interest and choosing to buy our products. We are happy to serve you.
Thank You to the Source
Intellectual Heritage Book: Isaan Textiles
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