An exceptional hat made of cane and called Bolup in the native tongue, aptly showcases the exquisite craftsmanship of the Galong tribe, located in Arunachal Pradesh in northeastern India. The fine strips of cane are woven to form a strong, functional hat in line with the longstanding tradition of the tribe to use nature and its resources for making durable yet functional costumes. With its elliptical shape and tightly woven structure, it offers comfort as well as durability.
Two stiff cane strips run along the brim for additional fortification and durability. Structural integrity is championed, as well, by painting a perfect example of attention-to-detail by the tribe. According to tradition, this type of hat called Bolup is worn during celebratory occasions,, and other events that are significant, thus in association with the natural surroundings and the culture it depicts of the tribe. Bolup, as a heritage of this Galong tribe, has found a space in the Indian Museum, Kolkata collection, where it constitutes an icon of the tribal caste craftsmanship and its culture. A careful design surrounding the head pieces gives the importance of sustainability and functional utility in tribal clothing, which resonates the Galong peoples' harmony with their environment.