Tawlhlohpuan

Tawlhlohpuan had the most cultural significance among the Mizo Puan. Tawlhloh in Mizo language means “to stand firm or not to move backward”. It was worn only by a very courageous warrior among the Mizo men as a symbol for their bravery. Mizo men wearing this Puan were expected to stand on their ground and never to retreat during a fight. It was also said that this Puan could not be woven by all common people in Mizo society and that the process of weaving usually require a lot of time as compared to other puan. In course of time this cloth was used by ladies and rich people in times of festive occasions and the original significance attached to this cloth began to wither out, giving place to a new significance of status value to it. In terms of the designs, a unique and special type of weaving design called the Hruih is the main design embedded in Tawlhlohpuan. The colour combination and the use of only Hruih design in Tawlhlohpuan clearly points to the creativity of the female weavers, such that this particular design would suit the very brave male warriors, not only in the appearance but also to signify/symbolise the brevity. The use of Hruih, one of the most difficult style of weaving in the loin loom and the bold red colour indicates the significance of the Tawlhlohpuan.