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Sbai

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This is an old revision of this page, as edited by Puppetcreator (talk | contribs) at 07:48, 19 October 2019 (The Image illustrates the different style of Sabai Wrapping is based from the questionable basis and not from any well-researched document. There is no clear historical evidence in Cambodia to back up the information behind the name, a few wrapping technique and clothing. Many comes across as a pure product of the artist's imagination which inspired by the common clothing featured in Contemporary Cambodian films and television series.). The present address (URL) is a permanent link to this revision, which may differ significantly from the current revision.

Sabai or sbai (Template:Lang-km, sbai; Template:Lang-th, RTGS: sabai, pronounced [sābāj]; Template:Lang-lo), or phaa biang (Template:Lang-lo; Template:Lang-th, pronounced [pʰâː bìa̯ŋ]) is shawl-like garment, or breast cloth worn in mainland Southeast Asia. Sabai is a woman's silk breast wrapper in Cambodia, Laos, and Central Thailand while in coastal Sumatra the same term is used to described as a shoulder cloth.[1]: 410  The sabai was derived from the Indian sari, the end of which is worn over one shoulder.[1]: 153 

Etymology

According to Chuon Nath Dictionary, Sbai refers to any kind of thin and soft garment which usually use as a mosquito net.[2] In clothing, it specifically refers to shawl-like garment or breast cloth used by women. The origin behind the term is unknown.

In Thailand, Sabai is also used to describe the same shawl-like garment.[3]

History

Sabai is possibly derived from the Indian sari which may have been introduced to Southeast Asia through the Indianized Kingdoms along with other traditions and elements of Indian culture.[1]: 153 

Cambodia


There are related mythologies in the Khmer culture concerning the history of sbai, which was likely introduced during the Khmer Kingdom of Funan in the first century AD. The sbai is mentioned in the legends of Preah Thong and Neang Neak. In one scene, Preah Thong clings to a piece of cloth worn on the Nagini in order to make the journey to the Nāga's kingdom; that piece of cloth is a sbai. In that tale, the sbai is symbolic of the tail of Neang Neak, the Naga princess.[4]


In Angkorian period, although it was common for men and women to be topless, however clothes for the upper body could be worn: the bas reliefs of Bayon and Preah Khan temples depict a few figures with questionable gender wearing a shawl-like sbai.


Nowadays, sbai is most often used in traditional Khmer weddings during the rite of Preah Thong Taong Sbai Neang Neak (English: 'Preah Thong holding on to the sbai of Neang Neak') which represents the legend of the foundation of Funan and where the groom holds on to the bride's sbai as they go to their room. The groom also wears a sbai.[4][5]

  • A figure wearing a shawl likesbai depicted on Bayon temple
    A figure wearing a shawl likesbai depicted on Bayon temple
  • Queen Ang Mey and her daughters wearing sbai in the 1800s
    Queen Ang Mey and her daughters wearing sbai in the 1800s
  • Cambodian bride wearing a sbai in the wedding ceremony
    Cambodian bride wearing a sbai in the wedding ceremony

Laos

It is common for Lao women to wear sabai as it is considered traditional clothing. A sabai can also be worn by men in weddings or when attending religious ceremonies. The type of sabai typically worn by Lao men often has checkered patterns. Sabai can also be a long piece of silk, about a foot wide, that is draped diagonally over the chest covering one shoulder with one end dropping behind the back.[6]

Thailand

Archaeological evidence from a Mon Dvaravati site depicts five ladies playing instruments and wearing what seems to be a piece of fabric hanging from their shoulder which is quite similar to sabai.[7][original research?]

See also

Wikimedia Commons has media related to Sbai.

References

  1. ^ a b c Maxwell, Robyn J.; Gittinger, Mattiebelle (2003). Textiles of Southeast Asia: Tradition, Trade and Transformation. Periplus Editions. ISBN 9780794601041.
  2. ^ Chuon Nath Khmer Dictionary. 1966, Buddhist Institute, Phnom Penh
  3. ^ "สไบ - Thai / English dictionary meaning - สไบ ภาษาอังกฤษ แปล ความหมาย". www.thai2english.com. Retrieved 2019-09-07.
  4. ^ a b Khmer Traditional Wedding
  5. ^ Cambodian history rich with female role-models and rulers
  6. ^ Bonnie Ghazarbekian, Jane Siegel, Sawaddi, 15 years, p.130.
  7. ^ http://www.chatnirun.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/09/Poon1.jpg
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