Textiles and ethnic cultural identity: The tais of northeast India

The Tais of North-East India, a diverse group of indigenous communities, have a rich tradition of textiles that plays a profound role in the manifestation of cultural identity, reflecting the traditions, beliefs, and values of a community. This abstract explores the intricate relationship between textiles and ethnic cultural identity, with a particular focus on the Tais of north-east India. The present study has been conducted on the Tai Phake people living in Namphake village, situated in Dibrugarh district, Assam, India, with the objectives 1. Issues of cultural assimilation among Tais 2. A specific aim is to focus on the textile tradition of Tai Phake in light of ethnic socio-cultural identity projection. The descriptive method and simple random sampling have been adopted for the research work. The study reveals how textiles serve as a medium through which the Tais transmit their cultural heritage, affirm their identities, and adapt to changing sociocultural contexts. The textiles produced by the Tais are not mere products; they are a repository of tradition, stories, and symbols. This research provides a comprehensive analysis of the weaving techniques, motifs, and materials that define Tai textiles. It traces the historical and contemporary significance of these art forms within the context of globalization and rapid socio-economic changes in the region. In conclusion, textiles, especially Tais, serve as powerful symbols of the Tai people’s ethnic cultural identity in north-east India. They encapsulate a rich history and continue to evolve in response to the changing world, ensuring that the legacy of Tai textile traditions endures. Understanding the intricate relationship between textiles and cultural identity is crucial not only for preserving the heritage of the Tai people but also for appreciating the broader significance of textiles in our diverse world cultures.