Ethnic Identity through Textile: The Case Study of Tai Lue of Phayao Province, Thailand and Tai Aiton of Assam, India

Abstract

“Tai” refers to people who speak Tai language, and share similarity on culture and beliefs, Tais settle down in Southern China, Southeast Asia, and Northeast India. In this paper tries to study the textile of Tai Lue and Tai Aiton. Tai Textile reflects the ethnic identity among both of Tai groups through its motif and its color. This study uses participant observation and group interview for collecting the data. The study shows that both Tai groups use their dresses as the ethnic identity. Gender role plays an important role in textile activities, while the women have to know the process of weaving and men have to help in making weaving instrument. Both Tai groups still maintain the norm that women have to know how to weave that defines as a good woman. Thus, Textile is not only the tool of showing ethnic identity, but it reflects the socialization and the division of labor in the community.