Home > Arts & Culture > Indian Crafts > Puanndum
Puanndum
Puanndum is a dark black Puan of the Mizos, with invariably weaved multicoloured bands across its length.

Share this Article:

Puanndum, Fabric of Mizo Kukis, Textiles of Manipur"Puanndum" is the term given to a dark black cloth produced by the Mizo Kuki tribes of Manipur ("Puan" meaning cloth; "Dum" meaning black). However, it is not commonly used by the Mizos.

Design of Puanndum
Puanndum has a dark black background along with invariably weaved multicoloured bands across the length. Two length wise borders, about 10 centimetres wide, are kept red. These are next followed by bold bands of various colours such as blue, yellow, green, pink etc. The whole surface is covered wide with such bands of different breadths, interspersed over the fairly broad black background which also looks like bands in its overall appearance. Even though simple in respect of the intricacy in their designs, these Puanndums are highly colourful and exhibit artistic brilliance and craftsmanship in the arrangement of their bands. In weaving these puans, the wool which crosses the multicoloured threads, is stretched artistically lengthwise as the warp consists of deep black threads. This, in effect, makes the coloured bars look more vibrantly deep.

Relevance of Puanndum amongst the Mizos
Puanndum has a very deep cultural significance and it is indeed one of the few traditional Puans that retain their cultural hallow to a very large extent even today. In the earlier days, every girl was invariably required to weave at least one Puanndum so that she could carry it in her "Thul" (cane basket) at the time of her marriage. The possession of Puanndum by the newly married girls was so conceived as it is culturally linked with one of her sacred duties, which is to provide a distinctive cover for the dead body of her husband if he met his death during her lifetime. Puanndum assumes different names when used for different purposes. When used to cover a dead body, it takes the name "Thirin Puan" ("Thi" meaning "to die"); the name "Zawlpuan" if it is presented as a token of affection or love ("Zawl" meaning friendly); "Dawan-puan-phah" when the Puanndum is used by the parents of a girl as a bed spread to enable a boy friend of their daughter to sleep with her in their house, which implies an indirect consent of the parents to the couple to have pre-martial sexual relationship with the condition that they would subsequently marry, failing which the boy shall be fined.

Related Articles:
Manipur
Textiles of Manipur
Crafts of Manipur
Tribes of Manipur
Indian Costumes
Weaving and Dyeing Craft
Woollen Textiles, India
Textiles of Different Tribes of Manipur


Share this Article:

Related Articles

More Articles in Indian Crafts


Ancient Indian Jewellery
Indian Jewellery has its roots in ancient times which gradually improved with dawn of every new civilization in India. The charm of jewellery and the beauty of Indian women by adorning it never separated.
Jewellery in Mughal Period
Jewellery in Mughal Period was one of the most dominant parts of the Mughal tradition. Royal members of the family including both men and women used to display their wealth and status by wearing heavy jewellery.
South Indian Jewellery
South Indian Jewellery pieces are primarily made out of gold and worn during traditional festivals and weddings. The designs are inspired from the fresco paintings.the fresco paintings.
Crafts of Nagaland
The crafts of Naga have not only a national market but have created an impact amongst the foreign tourists as well. The intricate handicrafts of the region have a rustic appeal which makes them unique in appearance and environment-friendly as well.
Crafts of Lakshadweep
The crafts of Lakshadweep are a colourful conglomeration of the rich culture of the people living in the island.
Embroidery of Gujarat
Embroidery of Gujarat has been admired as one of the best creations because of the creativity.
Crafts of Haryana
The crafts of Haryana are rooted to the rural economy and are more than artistic showpieces, they are utilitarian in nature originally crafted as home utility and décor items. With the wave of modernization, these crafts have been remodeled aesthetically while also preserving its rustic appeal.