This traditional belt from Arunachal Pradesh belonged to the Abor tribe, and it is of a practical and decorative nature. Made from thicker animal skin, it is a belt worn on the waist but is usually attached to a haversack or bag meant for hunting or travel. In this case, it is just the belt surviving, with the haversack missing. What makes this artifact special is the elaborately ornamented dorsal side, where small, mostly circular metallic balls have been attached in straight-line or patterned fashion. This metallic embellishment, apart from serving aesthetic purposes, could also bear certain cultural or symbolic meanings such as signifying status, clan identification, or achievements in warfare. The use of strong animal hide shows that this tribe has had a deep understanding of the flora and fauna around them and has depended on forest resources for their survival and existence.
The Abor tribe, now popularly called by the name of Adi tribe, have traditionally been envisioned as a fierce independent people with an ethos of warriors. In this community, wear and accessories serve a utility while also marking strength, courage, and identity. Set against the background of a hemmed-in belt, even without the haversack it used to attach itself, speaks of their traditional way of life and great material culture.