Jewels and Dress of the Khasis
Against a backdrop of scenic splendour where nature awaits to be explored and discovered and with its rich cultural heritage the Khasi-Jaintia people are endorsed with rich traditional finery, colourful costumes and jewellery.
The silver or gold crown is a distinctive article of Khasi jewellery worn by virgin ladies signifying the duties of a mother for a family and a scented flower “Tiew Lasubon” is attached behind it referring to modesty that a lady should have. A string like earring is usually attached to the ear which refers to the duties that a mother should render to her children and husband. Necklaces like the ‘Kanopad’ and ‘Paila’ is also worn by womenfolk during festive seasons. Another remarkable piece of jewellery of the Khasis is the 'Rupa-Tylli' or silver collar-a broad, flat silver band which hangs down the neck in front and is secured from behind. Bracelets called ‘Tad Rupa’ and ‘Mahu Rupa’ is also worn by women, made of gold and silver. The striking feature of bracelet is the “Khadu Syngkha” signifying a liberal, kindhearted and open-minded woman to advise her children to do what's right. 'Kynjri Tabah' also worn by womenfolk signifies responsibility she should have for the family.
Clothes like 'Ka Jainsem Dhara' which hangs loose below the knees after being knotted or pinned at the shoulders is a fine costume of the Khasis usually worn with a blouse called 'Sopti Mukmor.'
Khasi men wear earrings as large as gold pendants, oval or circular in shape, and a turban called 'Khor' usually worn by kings, queens and other noble family showing the personality and mien of a man which a 'Thuia' or a plume 18 inches long is attached to the turbans during festive season. Necklaces for men like the 'Shan Ryndang' and 'Paila' are also worn by men during the festive season which refers to courage, stature, power and strength of a man. The 'Kynjri Tabah' and 'Kynjri syngkai' are also worn by both men and women.
Men with their stature and strength are anchors carrying with them the duties of a father. During festive seasons like ‘Ka Shad Nongkrem’, ‘Shad Suk Mynsiem’ and other festivals both men and women wear these dresses and jewelleries. But added to this men carry with them a sword usually in his right hand when he dances indicating the duty he has for safeguarding the family. On his left hand he carries with him a wisp called 'Symphiah' signifying patience and intelligence a father should have. 'Ryngkap' a quiver with three silver arrows is also worn by them in which the arrows signify the blessings from God. The second arrow signifies blessings of the ancestors and clans while the third arrow signifies blessings of the ancestress.
Dresses of men includes a 'Boh Khaila' red in colour and a waist-coat called a 'Putoi' made out of animal's fur, usually a cock's hair which has in it ancient tales. The cock has significance in the Khasi-Jaintia Hills as it is still today.
The Khasi-Jaintia Hills has with it vast cultural heritage which till date their significance in the hills will not wither away. But what is needed is the perseverance to keep the good old heritage "a beauty adorned by all."
Against a backdrop of scenic splendour where nature awaits to be explored and discovered and with its rich cultural heritage the Khasi-Jaintia people are endorsed with rich traditional finery, colourful costumes and jewellery.
The silver or gold crown is a distinctive article of Khasi jewellery worn by virgin ladies signifying the duties of a mother for a family and a scented flower “Tiew Lasubon” is attached behind it referring to modesty that a lady should have. A string like earring is usually attached to the ear which refers to the duties that a mother should render to her children and husband. Necklaces like the ‘Kanopad’ and ‘Paila’ is also worn by womenfolk during festive seasons. Another remarkable piece of jewellery of the Khasis is the 'Rupa-Tylli' or silver collar-a broad, flat silver band which hangs down the neck in front and is secured from behind. Bracelets called ‘Tad Rupa’ and ‘Mahu Rupa’ is also worn by women, made of gold and silver. The striking feature of bracelet is the “Khadu Syngkha” signifying a liberal, kindhearted and open-minded woman to advise her children to do what's right. 'Kynjri Tabah' also worn by womenfolk signifies responsibility she should have for the family.
Clothes like 'Ka Jainsem Dhara' which hangs loose below the knees after being knotted or pinned at the shoulders is a fine costume of the Khasis usually worn with a blouse called 'Sopti Mukmor.'
Khasi men wear earrings as large as gold pendants, oval or circular in shape, and a turban called 'Khor' usually worn by kings, queens and other noble family showing the personality and mien of a man which a 'Thuia' or a plume 18 inches long is attached to the turbans during festive season. Necklaces for men like the 'Shan Ryndang' and 'Paila' are also worn by men during the festive season which refers to courage, stature, power and strength of a man. The 'Kynjri Tabah' and 'Kynjri syngkai' are also worn by both men and women.
Men with their stature and strength are anchors carrying with them the duties of a father. During festive seasons like ‘Ka Shad Nongkrem’, ‘Shad Suk Mynsiem’ and other festivals both men and women wear these dresses and jewelleries. But added to this men carry with them a sword usually in his right hand when he dances indicating the duty he has for safeguarding the family. On his left hand he carries with him a wisp called 'Symphiah' signifying patience and intelligence a father should have. 'Ryngkap' a quiver with three silver arrows is also worn by them in which the arrows signify the blessings from God. The second arrow signifies blessings of the ancestors and clans while the third arrow signifies blessings of the ancestress.
Dresses of men includes a 'Boh Khaila' red in colour and a waist-coat called a 'Putoi' made out of animal's fur, usually a cock's hair which has in it ancient tales. The cock has significance in the Khasi-Jaintia Hills as it is still today.
The Khasi-Jaintia Hills has with it vast cultural heritage which till date their significance in the hills will not wither away. But what is needed is the perseverance to keep the good old heritage "a beauty adorned by all."
posted by Reegyen Wayne at 11:05 PM
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