The
Mien are found to live densely in Chiang
Rai, Nan, Phayao, Lampang, Kamphaeng Phet,
Chiang Mai, Sukhothai, Tak and Phetchabun,
Since they have no subgroups, the Mien
in Thailand speak their common language
with identical accent, dress up the similar
costumes and belong to the same tradition
and culture. However, there are some slight
differences from village to village in
different localities. Interestingly still,
the Mien do have their original written
language based on Chinese characters.
Costume
Mien women are skillful embroiderer. One
particular style of Mien's traditional needlework
is amazingly and meticulously done from
the backside of a piece of cloth. If one
wants to know what the finished designs
look like, one has to turn and look at the
other side. The cross-stitch technique which
has become more popular this day was introduced
only 50-60 years ago.
A
woman's attire consists of a loose-fitting
pant beautifully decorated withfine embroidery
works. Is worn with a long wrapper, of which
the front ends are tied at the back of her
waist so that a full view of the delicate
embroidered designs of the pant can be seen.
Along the hem of the wrapper from neck to
waist, a string of red knitting wool is
worn. There are also a waistband and a turban.
Mien men usually wear a short shirt and
a pair of loose-fitting trouser. The hem
and the pocket look beautiful with embroidery
works.
As far as the ornaments and accessories
are concerned, the Mien are fond of silver
products. For example, a round shaped silver
necklace with long tails hanging from the
back is worn. Mien's exquisite and meticulous
silver craftsmanship is well known among
many tribal groups in Thailand.
