Traditional textiles and costumes of <i style="">Karbi</i> and <i style="">Biate</i> tribes of Meghalaya

Abstract

The present study was an attempt to study the tribal textiles and costumes of Meghalaya which was almost non-existent and has reached the verge of extinction in the name of change. The objectives of the study were to document the yarns, looms, colors, motifs and costumes worn for different occasions. Data was gathered through personal interviews coupled with observation method from purposive selected samples and photographs were taken to support the study. Weaving of these two tribes was the monopoly of women. They wove their dress by themselves on the loom which they set up in their dwelling house. The study revealed that there have been certain changes in the traditional textiles and costumes in terms of yarns, colours and motifs used.