Mongol Costumes

Looking at traditions and history of Mongolia you can not go past the costumes of Mongolia.
When I have viewed special dance performances and seen celebrations held in the public square I have noticed the many different types of dress that is worn and wanted to find out more.
The following information and photos I have taken from postcards which are sold here and thought they give a good over view of the Mongolian costumes.

Costumes of Ethnic Groups
Mongolian ethnic costumes take one of the major parts in the study of ethnography and contribution of Mongols to the word civilization. Traditional Mongolian costumes are important commodities of cultural heritage, which reflect Mongolian nature, climate conditions, as well as important historical and social events.
By the end of the 19th century and the beginning of the 20th century, there existed around 20 small ethic groups in Mongolia, and even today some ethnic traditions and customs are still kept. As of today, there are 16 ethnic groups in Mongolia. The majority of population or 80% are considered of Khalkh ethnic group. In western part of Mongolia, in Uvs and Khovd provinces live such ethic groups as Bayad (2.1% of population), Torguud (0.5% of the population), Uuld (0.6% of the population), Zakhchin (1.2% of the population), Myangad (0.3% of the population), Uriankhai (1.6% of the population), and in south and east live Darkhad (0.8% of the population), Buriyat (1.7% of the population), Barga (0.1% of the population), Uzemchin (0.1% of the population), and Dariganga (1.2% of the population). In Bayan-Ulgii province live Khazakh people, which is 4.3% of the population. There are also ethnic groups of Tuva Uriankhai 1.6%, Khoton 0.3% and Tsaatan people.
Presently, it is estimated that there are more than 400 types of traditional deel (main dress), 20 types of boots, 10 types of sash (used to tie around tummy) and more than 200 types of hats of different ethic groups. In the fast phased world of today and with globalization of the world, the Mongolian valuable traditions, customs and some of ethic groups’ costumes are forgotten from day to day.

Torguud

Oold

Buriad

Uzemchin

Urianhai

Barga

Durbed

Hoton

Zahchin

Bayad

Dariganga

Myangad

Khalha

I think out of all these my favorites are the costumes from Khalha, Barga and Dariganga. I think it is the women's head dress that stands out the most. These images are found on some handy crafts that are made here. If you look at some of the Start War movies you may see the likeness of the costumes as I think the designers took inspiration from these costumes.

Picture from one of the Star Wars Movies