Thingding (woman's smock) c. mid 20th century

This "Thingding," a woman's smock, was created by the Taungyo people. The shirt is a cultural artifact, revealing the Taungyo people’s traditional textile practices and their understanding of beauty, status, and identity. Garments such as this smock served as a canvas for cultural expression, communicating complex narratives about the wearer's status, gender, and ethnic identity. The horizontal bands of the weaving that construct the shirt remind us of the time and labor involved in its creation. The green tassels and white beads along the seams of the brown fabric indicate an eye for detail and aesthetics. These embellishments are subtle but significant markers of cultural identity and personal expression. The act of wearing this garment is imbued with meaning. The smock serves not only as a functional piece of clothing but also as a wearable expression of cultural pride and belonging.