Costume of a woman of the Lisu ethnic group from the north east mountain area of Burma bordering China which includes a coat, a jacket, trousers, detachable sleeves and a turban. Mainly blue, with decorative coloured additions, domestic and imported fabrics, applique work and stitching. c. 1st quarter of the 20th century.

Costume of a woman of the Lisu ethnic group from the north east mountain area of Burma bordering China which includes a coat, a jacket, trousers, detachable sleeves and a turban. Mainly blue, with decorative coloured additions, domestic and imported fabrics, applique work and stitching.

Given by Mrs. F.R.B. Lee

This costume was acquired in by the donor while she and her husband were stationed in Burma during the first quarter of the 20th century. Burma at the time was under British rule and administered from India. Her husband was attached to the Educational Service of the Government of India.

The Lisu are a Tibeto-Burman people who live throughout northeast Burma, along the China border. Preferring inaccessible spots, which can be easily defended they build their villages on high ridges and mountain tops. Although they keep animals, the Lisus are mainly farmers cultivating rice, buckwheat and vegetables. Little touched by either Christian or Buddhist influences, their religion involves ancestor worship and propitiation of spirits of the jungle, wind, earth, sky, village and crops.

Previously thought to have been worn by a woman of the Taungthu or Pa'O ethnic group of the southern Shan States of Burma. Re-attributed to the Lisu of northeast Burma by Frances Franklin of the Indian and South East Asian Dept.1996.
For further reference see: Sylvia Fraser-Lu Handwoven Textiles of South-East Asia; Oxford University Press 1988; p. 66; fig. 91.

IM.38 to E-1934