Abstract

This qualitative study explores the cultural identity manifested through the traditional attire of Phu Tai women in Kalasin Province, illustrating how clothing serves as a pivotal marker of identity within this community. Data was collected from documentary review and through interviews and observations in six Phu Tai communities in Kalasin Province. Despite the passage of time, the core elements of Phu Tai dress have been meticulously preserved, continuously reinforcing the unique cultural identity and heritage of Kalasin Province. Central to this identity is the traditional attire, including the seua thaep or seua mob shirt, dyed with natural indigo or black from local plants, and complemented by distinctive accessories such as pha khit, pha biang in various styles, and the tie-dye pha sin Phu Tai skirt. The study reveals that these sartorial choices are deeply embedded in the local culture, serving as a living repository of the community’s collective memory and ancestral lineage. Furthermore, traditional hairstyles like muay chik or muay chok, secured with pha praem mon, underscore the intricate relationship between dress practices and cultural identity. While adapting to modern influences, Phu Tai women’s attire remains a vibrant expression of heritage, playing a crucial role in transmitting and anchoring the cultural identity of Kalasin Province to its roots, thereby safeguarding its distinctive legacy for future generations.