Paiwan tribe Female Leggings

Paiwan women traditionally wore a pair of square leggings over the lower part of their long skirts, leaving the calves exposed. Straps were attached to the upper or lower edges of the leggings, allowing them to be securely tied around the calves. While this type of garment could be worn by women of all social classes, only members of the nobility were permitted to decorate theirs. Noblewomen would wear leggings with simple patterns for casual occasions and more intricate designs for formal attire. This particular pair of leggings is identical in size, pattern, and color. Crafted primarily from red woolen cloth, each piece features black and orange rectangular cotton panels sewn along the sides and a central rectangular section on the front. The fabric is flat-woven using red, pink, yellow, orange wool to create vertical stripes. Eight rows of small copper bells are sewn horizontally across the foot guard, and black cotton straps are attached on either side. When worn, these straps are tied around the calves to keep the leggings securely in place.