Themes
tribal artefacts
Head Gear of Adi Tribe , arunachal pradesh
The Adi tribe has its own peculiar headgear made of bamboo, cane and animal skins. These Adi headgears are normally decorated with complex designs and motifs which deeply resonates with and represents their culture. Koppo, the other name for headgear, is indispensable during ritual occasions as it stands for the identity and tradition of the tribe.
Residing in the temperate and sub-tropical zones of Arunachal Pradesh, mainly the East Siang, Upper Siang, West Siang and Dibang Valley, the Adi tribe is very well known for its unique and vibrant culture, along with its traditional arts and crafts.
They make the headgear by using various local materials such as bamboo, cane, and animal skins. The durability and availability of such materials in the local environment ensures that the headgear adapts to the climatic conditions of the region.
Purposive for practical as well as ceremonial occasions, the headgear serves as a protective shield from the elements while at the same time, being used at festivals and traditional ceremonies for the assertion of individual cultural identity and social status. It is usually adorned by tribal leaders and elders whose positions within the community are signified.
Their Headgear symbolizes the cultural pride and heritage of the Adi tribe. It also symbolizes nature and the ancestral traditions of the tribes. The carvings and intricate designs on the headgear represent mythological stories and tribal lore, thus strengthening the narrative of the tribe's culture.