Deang traditional attire is distinguished by its bold use of black, red, and white stripes woven into womens skirts, and the iconic large silver earrings worn by women.
Key Features of Deang Attire
- Horizontal red, black, and white striped tubular skirts
- Large cylindrical silver earrings as a signature accessory
- Multiple lacquered or silver waist hoops as a beauty marker
- Collarless short jackets in dark blue with silver ornaments
- Womens colorful beaded necklaces worn in multiple strands
Traditional Garments
Women wear a collarless, tight-fitting short jacket in black or blue, fastened with silver beads, paired with a distinctive striped tubular skirt. Multiple waist hoops of rattan lacquered in red or silver are worn daily. Men wear collarless front-fastening jackets with wide trousers.
Headwear and Adornments
Women wrap their hair in black or dark blue cloth turbans adorned with small flowers or beads. Men wear red or black cloth head wraps.
Embroidery and Decorative Arts
Deang embroidery is minimal with more emphasis on woven stripe patterns and silver ornamentation rather than thread embroidery.
Ethnologists observe that the Deang womans waist hoops are not merely decorative - the number and material of hoops historically indicated her familys wealth and social standing.
Color Symbolism
Black and dark indigo dominate, with vivid red, white, and green stripes on skirts providing bold contrast.
Festival Attire
During the Water Splashing Festival, women wear their full set of waist hoops, largest silver earrings, and most colorful striped skirts.
Modern Influence and Preservation
The distinctive Deang striped skirt occasionally inspires contemporary textile designers exploring bold stripe patterns.
Did You Know?
Deang women traditionally believe the waist hoops originated when the first Deang woman wore rattan rings to protect herself from being captured by an evil spirit.