Historically, the Pa-O wore colourful clothing, until King Anawratha defeated the Mon King Makuta. The Pa-O were enslaved, and forced to wear indigo-dyed clothing, to signify their status. They no longer weave but purchase their indigo serge cloth from the market, often proudly displaying the 'Made in England' and "serge" trademarks along the edges of sleeves, around armholes and neck openings, as depicted here with this young girl.