Pakaian adat Kulawi berasal dari masyarakat Kulawi, sebuah wilayah pegunungan di Kabupaten Sigi, Sulawesi Tengah. Masyarakat Kulawi merupakan bagian dari etnis Kaili dengan dialek dan budaya tersendiri. Pakaian adat Kulawi mencerminkan kesederhanaan, kehormatan, dan kedekatan dengan alam, yang menjadi ciri khas masyarakat pegunungan.
Pakaian adat pria Kulawi dikenal dengan busana yang sederhana tetapi sarat makna. Melambangkan keberanian, tanggung jawab, dan peran laki-laki sebai pelindung keluarga dan masyarakat. Berupa kemeja berlengan panjang dari kain tenun khas Kulawi, biasanya berwarna gelap (hitam, cokelat, atau biru tua) yang disebut Baju Nu’bala dengan bawahan berupa celana longgar (Celana Po’u) dari bahan tenun, dipadukan dengan ikat pinggang (lau) dari kain berwarna kontras. Dilengkapi dengan penutup kepala dari kain tenun atau kain hitam (Destar atau Baleko), Pisau adat (guma) diselipkan di pinggang dan Selendang kecil di bahu.
Busana perempuan Kulawi menonjolkan keanggunan dan kehalusan, tetapi tetap menunjukkan kekuatan perempuan pegunungan. Melambangkan kesucian, kerja keras, dan peran penting perempuan dalam menjaga tradisi dan kehormatan keluarga. Berupa baju berlengan panjang dari kain tenun tangan khas Kulawi, berwarna merah marun, cokelat, atau ungu tua (Baju Baju’na) yang dipasangkan dengan kain tenun bermotif geometris yang dililitkan di pinggang (Sarung Po’orea) dilengkapi Selendang (salempang) berwarna kontras di bahu kanan, Hiasan kepala (panta) atau bunga logam kecil di sanggul, Perhiasan tradisional seperti kalung manik-manik dan gelang perak.
Kulawi traditional clothing originates from the Kulawi people, a mountainous region in Sigi Regency, Central Sulawesi. The Kulawi people are part of the Kaili ethnic group, with their own dialect and culture. Kulawi traditional clothing reflects the simplicity, respect, and closeness to nature that are characteristic of mountain communities
Kulawi men’s traditional clothing is known for its simple yet meaningful attire. It symbolizes courage, responsibility, and the role of men as protectors of their families and communities. It consists of a long-sleeved shirt made of Kulawi woven fabric, usually dark in color (black, brown, or dark blue) called Baju Nu’bala with loose trousers (Pelana Po’u) made of woven material, combined with a belt (lau) made of contrasting colored fabric. It is completed with a head covering made of woven or black cloth (Destar or Baleko), a traditional knife (guma) tucked into the waist and a small shawl on the shoulder.
Kulawi women’s clothing emphasizes elegance and refinement, but still shows the strength of mountain women. Symbolizing purity, hard work, and the important role of women in maintaining family traditions and honor. In the form of a long-sleeved dress made of typical Kulawi hand-woven cloth, in maroon, brown, or dark purple (Baju Baju’na) paired with a geometric patterned woven cloth wrapped around the waist (Sarung Po’orea) equipped with a contrasting colored shawl (salempang) on the right shoulder, a headdress (panta) or small metal flowers in the bun, traditional jewelry such as beaded necklaces and silver bracelets.