SIGNIFICANCE OF TRADITIONAL COSTUME, CLOTHING, AND ITS MOTIF IN THE RABHA SOCIETY

Abstract [English]

Clothes are our second skin. We wear them from the time we are born until we die. Clothes play a very important part in our lives and our existence. It gives us our identity and adds to our personality. Traditional clothing and design hold significant importance in all the various cultures around the world. They are not just garments to wear; they carry history, identity, cultural heritage, and artistic expression. Traditional clothing represents a cultural identity and heritage that distinguishes one community or group from another. It helps them connect to their roots, ancestors, and shared history. There is not much literature found about traditional clothing, its design, motifs, its meaning, and its significance in society. In this paper, we will study the Rabha tribe, a prominent tribe from Northeast India, Assam, In the socio-cultural construct they live in, visual characteristics like color, motif, and design of traditional clothing plays a very important role. This paper aims to study Rabha’s traditional clothing, its design, and its significance in Rabha society.
For the study, primary and secondary research methods were used. For secondary research, research papers and books on the Rabha tribe are refereed. For primary research field trips were made to places like Goalpara where the Rabha population inhabitant. Eminent personalities like nation awardee Weaver, Rabha museum curator, etc. were interviewed. Different museums, and libraries. Conventions, exhibitions, etc. were also attended to collect relevant data.
Traditional designs often carry symbolic meanings that convey important messages within cultures. Colors, patterns, and motifs can represent elements like status, marital status, social roles, spiritual beliefs, good luck, protection, religious beliefs, and more. These symbols create a shared language among members of the Rabha community and are often passed down through generations. Rabha clothes, design, motifs, and their meaning and significance are presented in detail in the paper.