This shirt made from scarf of Khan Pieu
a traditional scarf, makes black Shan women unique and attractive. Each scarf tells a story about the wearers’ feelings and character through patterns and colors.
The scarf protects the wearer’s head from cold, windy weather and is an essential decorative accessory for Shan girls in daily life and during special events. During a festival, boys propose to girls by seizing the girls’ Khan Pieu. The scarf is buried with its owner because it is considered a guide for the soul of the deceased in heaven. Researcher Thieht says: “A Khan Pieu is like a head protector. It symbolizes material and spiritual values of the Shan and is a sacred gift what helps to safeguard a girl’s soul. The Shan believe that a god lives in a person’s head and governs all human organs”.