Gaung Baung

The ''gaung baung'' ( ; , ; Shan: ; Northern Thai: เคียนหัว ) is a traditional Burmese kerchief and part of the traditional attire of many ethnic groups inhabiting modern day Burma and Northern Thailand, particularly among most of the Buddhist-professing ethnic groups: the Bamar, Mon, Arakanese, Shan, and Tai Yuan peoples. The design varies from region to region, but share basic similarities that distinguish the ''gaung baung'' from the kerchief.

''Gaung baung'' literally means "head wrap" in the Burmese language. It is part of traditional ceremonial attire, worn at formal gatherings and ceremonies. The ''gaung baung'' is almost always a sign of rank, though no insignia or pattern exists to denote it. The ''gaung baung'' is more prevalent among the Arakanese and Shan ethnic groups.

Design and style

The design of the modern Burmese ''gaung baung'' emerged in the mid-20th century and is called ''maung kyetthayay'' (). It is a ready-made ''gaung baung'' made of cloth wrapped in a rattan frame and can be worn like a hat is worn. In the colonial era, silk ''gaung baungs'' called "B.A. ''gaung baung''," traditionally worn at graduation ceremonies, were popular.

The ''gaung baung'' is usually made of silk or cotton, depending on the rank or wealth of the owner. The older wrap versions were usually long and wide. It is put on the head in a clockwise manner, with the tongue on the left side. The tongue is the main distinguishing feature of the ''gaung baung'', and is also different from ethnic group to ethnic group.

The Burmese and Mon ''gaung baung'' tongues tend to be sloping down and rounded, while the Arakanese (Rakhine) and Shan tongues are fanned out.

Nowadays, most do not wear the ''gaung baung'', even to official functions. The ''gaung baung'', along with most other articles of Burmese attire, have become streamlined. Thus, most wear ready-made and woven ''gaung baung''s which are wrapped over a rattan or wicker frame.

Material

Since the ''gaung baung'' is a ceremonial headgear, it is always for beautification. Depending on the wealth and or rank of the owner, the colour and material differ.

The Burmese and Mon wear yellow, white, grey or cream coloured ''gaung baung''s, of either silk or cotton. The Arakanese wear pink coloured ones, while the Shan is either cream, skin or tan coloured. The Shan ''gaung baung'' is made out of rough cotton, called pin, the trademark garment of the Shan people.

Contemporary usage

Usage of ''gaung baung'' has declined dramatically during the British colonization. It is only worn in official ceremonies, and social functions such as weddings. Elected parliamentarians must wear one when performing their duties in parliament.

In the Northern Hill areas, the hill tribes, such as the Lahu, Akha and Palaung still wear similar ''gaung baung''s, but for day to day wear, and they are usually made from towels.

References

See also

*Burmese clothing
*Longyi

{{DEFAULTSORT:Gaung Baung
Thai headgear
Culture of Myanmar
Kerchiefs
Burmese headgear