The Dumchi is a phenomenal headdress worn by the Daphla people of Arunachal Pradesh. Made from thin brass, it looks very much like a human palm: a symbol of protection and strength. Beautifully molded into five finger-like projections out of a central base- simulating the open hand- these "fingers" are curved and shaped aptly to give Dumchi the way it is.
The use of brass would show the metalworking talent of the tribe and its capability to convert the simplest of raw materials into the most magnificent cultural artifacts. Headdresses such these used to be worn by tribal heads or around ceremonial occasions, where they served as the real show-stealers of authority and spiritual attachments. Brass also carries therein cultural values often attributed to the tribe's strength and resilience. The Dumchi is not only a headgear but also an art piece that displays the craftsmanship of the Daphla tribe. It is an expression of their refined culture and their affinity with nature, with the palm being seen in symbolism as a marker of protection and blessings.