Burang County Tibetan Costumes

Burang County (普兰县) in Tibet’s Ali region (阿里地区) is renowned for its unique and sophisticated Tibetan clothing, which has a history of over 800 years. The traditional attire of the local Tibetan women in Kejia Village (科迦村) is a stunning reflection of this long cultural heritage, consisting of both clothing and jewelry. This rich cultural expression combines practical materials like lambskin, otter fur, and satin, with intricate jewelry made from over 6,800 individual pieces including coral, turquoise, and pure gold. The design of these garments is elegant and bold, often employing exaggerated artistic elements that highlight the creativity and imagination of the local people.

The Elegance of Ali Burang Costumes

The Ali Burang Tibetan costumes (阿里普兰服饰) are a distinctive feature of the local culture, particularly known for the lambskin robes (羔皮袍) that form the core of the attire. These garments are carefully crafted, combining intricate designs with elegant decoration. One of the most iconic elements of Burang County’s Tibetan costumes is the “Peacock” (孔雀) attire worn by women, which is directly inspired by the symbolism of the Peacock River (孔雀河) in the region.

The “Peacock” Costume: Symbol of Beauty and Auspiciousness

The “Peacock” Costume for women is the most representative attire in Burang County. This striking outfit is designed to resemble the majestic peacock, which holds symbolic significance in the area. The Peacock River, where the source resembles a peacock, is seen as a symbol of beauty and auspiciousness. To preserve this image of beauty and good fortune, local women wear costumes that mirror the shape and elegance of the peacock.

Key Features of the “Peacock” Costume:

• “Dingma” Hat (町玛): A cylindrical hat made from brown and blue-colored felt, which serves as the centerpiece of the costume. The hat’s bottom is designed to leave room for the braid, symbolizing the peacock’s crown.

• Ear Pendants (耳坠): Earrings made of coral and pearls, strung together to form a 15-centimeter long chain. These earrings represent the delicate beauty of the peacock’s feathers.

• “Gaiba” Apron (改巴): A white goat-skin apron worn on the back, with a design inspired by the peacock’s tail feathers. The apron is decorated with circular patterns made from felt, and the bottom is split into three forked sections, mimicking the tail of a peacock. Some versions of the apron are further adorned with colorful satin, enhancing the visual appeal.

The “Peacock” costume is a living testament to the region’s rich cultural history, often referred to as “the thousand-year history worn on the body” (穿在身上的千年历史).

Distinctive Features of Burang County Tibetan Costumes

Burang County’s Tibetan costumes are not only practical but also full of symbolic meaning. The use of lambskin robes, known for their fine craftsmanship and elegant decoration, stands out in Tibetan clothing traditions.

Craftsmanship of the Lambskin Robes

• Material: The primary material for the robes is lambskin, which provides warmth and durability. The robes are adorned with otter fur (水獺皮) on the collar, sleeves, and cuffs, while satin is used for the outer fabric, making them particularly unique in the Tibetan region.

• Design: The robes feature a delicate design, making them elegant yet functional. They are known for their fine tailoring and luxurious decoration, with the use of otter fur being a distinctive feature that adds a sense of sophistication.

The “Peacock” Symbolism in Clothing

The Peacock River (孔雀河), which is the source of the peacock imagery, is located in Burang County. The river’s head resembles a peacock, and as a symbol of beauty and auspiciousness, it is closely tied to the local culture. Women wear attire that represents the peacock, ensuring that its beauty and symbolic meaning continue to thrive in the community. The “Dingma” Hat and “Gaiba” Apron are the two most iconic elements of this costume, and they serve to immortalize the symbolism of the peacock in daily life.

Additional Materials and Decorations

The costumes feature decorations made from high-quality materials such as:

• Gold (黄金): Used to add a rich and refined touch to the attire.

• Silver (白银): Silver is commonly used in the jewelry and embellishments, giving the costumes a traditional Tibetan aesthetic.

• Beeswax (蜜蜡), Coral (珊瑚), and Turquoise (绿松石): These stones and materials are used in the jewelry, including the earrings, necklaces, and other decorative items, representing the local connection to nature and the environment.

Historical Development of Burang County Tibetan Costumes

The history of Burang County’s Tibetan costumes dates back over a thousand years. The “Peacock” attire, in particular, is closely associated with the Peacock River, whose source is believed to resemble the shape of a peacock. Over the centuries, the clothing has evolved, but it has always maintained its symbolic connection to the peacock, which is a symbol of beauty and prosperity.