Those from Tibetology background and People who study cultures or being a part of the cultural exchange groups are most likely the target audience throughout the piece. You might want to take a Tibet Cultural tour as a favorable option to make your summer vacation more meaningful..
The topography and climate condition in Tibet are the primary factors affecting the choice and design of our costumes. Like any other costumes representing its distinct culture, Tibet too has its own sets of costumes which showcase its distinctive ethnic features.
The traditional Tibetan costume is called Chupa, an ankle length wrap-around dress with long sleeves for men. The robe often pulled up till the waist with trousers underneath. It is fastened around the waist by a traditional sash. The upper part formed a broad V-neck shaped pocket which often carries personal belongings from money to bowl and even babies. They tend to remove the both the sleeves or the right hand sleeve to beat the head or in doing some physical activities
Women’s chupa is much narrower type ankle length robe with or without sleeves. Belts are often stitched at waist. For married women, Chupa is often associated with a colorful designed apron. During winter, chupas are designed with inner fur or an artificial fur to keep ourself warm and in summer chupas are made with lighter materials. Chupa for both men and women are suited well with our traditional Tibetan shirt (Boe Sog Vong jug). Men’s Shirts are often collared up and as for women shirts are down collared folding it underneath the Chupa’s V necked edge.
The dressing style of Chupa often varies from territory to territory with its own topographic and climate conditions. The quality of our Chupa has lot to tell about our social status for example; those from the royal background often design their Chupa with pure golden silk materials. In olden days, both men and women wears ankle-long boots called Sumps made up of wool. The Easy accessibility of the region these days resulted in western cultural influence which revolutionize the way we dress. Of course, we still wear Chupa but with different design and style. Each territory has its own unique and way of wearing Chupa. When you take a Tibet tour, you will notice the difference between the dressing styles of Chupa on territorial base. People from Kham wear Chupa a little different from those of Lhasa (Central Tibet) and Amdo (North Eastern Tibet).
Though the traditional design of Chupa may be pretty much similar throughout Tibet, however the wrapping style can be different. For example People from Kham (Eastern Tibet) usually wrap it loose to put their right hand inside whereas the Tibetan from Lhasa wrap it by removing the right hand sleeve and hanging it on their shoulders.
For women from Kham and Amdo, they don’t wear aprons (Pang Den) over Chupa even when they are married however those from Lhasa (Central Tibet) they have to wear aprons over Chupa if married. The Central Tibetan Chupa designs with no sleeves however Chupa in Kham and Amdo Regions design with long sleeve and usually during summer, the right hand is removed by placing its sleeve at the back.
Being on the highest plateau in the world, Tibetans are accustomed to wear hat to shadow themselves from sun rays. Normally the cowboy-type-hat are preferred by men as it suits well with Chupa.
Tibetan loves ornament. The best season to glimpse those precious ornaments and how Tibetan wears them is during the festive seasons. Women wears amulets, turquoise and coral made beads or necklaces. Men carries a small photo or a statue of Lama which is well framed in a tiny squared box designed with silvers and gold on it. Tibetan Calls it (khawu) .they also differ from region to region characterizing its own uniqueness in culture and tradition. Those from Eastern Tibet usually wear lots of ornament covering from head to toe however those from Central usually choose to be light.
There are lot other unique customs and attire features waiting for you to take a Tibet Cultural Tour. Tibet Shambhala Adventure is also a cultural centered organization with deep understanding of the core value of our culture and has always been trying to expose them to the west.
For details about our Tibet Cultural Tour, don’t forget to visit www.shambhala-adventure.com bringing about the insights of Tibetan Culture. Briefing the products and services we offer.
