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Mizoram

Pawndum - Traditional Art of Mizoram

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A Kaleidoscope of Beauty and Culture

Nestled in the lap of the lush green hills of northeast India, lies the beautiful state of Mizoram, a land of infinite natural beauty, spectacular flora and fauna and a rich and vibrant cultural heritage. The verdant landscapes, cascading waterfalls, mist- clad mountains and dense bamboo jungles of this beautiful land, paint a picturesque panorama of beauty and splendor in our hearts and minds.

Beyond the scenic allure of Mizoram lies a kaleidoscopic culture that is intricately woven with the traditions of the indigenous Mizo tribes. Be it the festivals, music, dance, flora and fauna or the rich handicrafts, tourists have much to marvel at, when visiting these exotic highlands. Amongst the many handicrafts that this state has to offer to the world, are the hand-woven textiles that have particularly caught the attention of one and all. The Geographical Indication (GI) registered Pawndum is one such textile that is a traditional cloth of the Mizo tribe. The word Pawndum in Mizo language means ‘black cloth’ and is worn by the men and women of the Lushai or Mizo tribe.

A Traditional Textile of the Lushais

Pawndum, a traditional textile, woven on the loin loom (Puanbu), is worn by the men and women of the Lushais (Mizos). It is a textile that is made of two loom widths and is characterized by bold red and grey stripes against a black background. While the base weft is made of black yarn, the bold warp stripes use dyed red cotton, obtained from barks of different plants. The Pawndum is traditionally used by girls as ‘Zawlpuan’ i.e. a special dowry in marriage. A young Mizo woman is required to weave Pawndum and carry it along with her to her new home when she gets married. The Pawndum is usually wrapped around the waist like a skirt and is worn by women both casually as well as on special occasions. It is a fabric that holds a deep cultural significance for the Lushais. There is a custom of wearing the Pawndum in death and mourning too and is sometimes used by mourners to cover a dead body when taking it to the graveyard.

A Cultural Marvel

A symbol of the cultural identity and craftsmanship of the Mizo people, the Pawndum holds significant cultural value in the region. If a bride fails to carry a Pawndum to her new home, it is considered her prime duty to weave one soon after going to her in-law’s place. In earlier times, young men used Pawndum as a night cover when they stayed in the men’s dormitory called ‘Zawlbuk’, and also wore it while performing ‘Khuallam’, a popular traditional dance form of Mizoram. Pawndum is one of the few handicraft items of Mizoram with Geographical Indication (GI) tag from Government of India.

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Mizoram

Preserving Tradition

The main centres of Pawndum production in Mizoram are located in the capital city of Aizawl. What makes the Pawndum unique is the weaving quality, which is much finer as compared to the other Mizo dresses. The stripes on the Pawndum cloth follow a certain pattern, wherein orientation of the cloth remains the same in both ways. Tourists in Mizoram must visit the local handlooms to witness the weaving of these unique fabrics. The handloom sector in Mizoram aids in the socio- economic development of weavers, who rely on it as their primary source of income. While exploring the beautiful landscape of the ‘Land of Mizos’ do not forget to help protect and preserve the rich cultural heritage associated with it.