This headgear is, of course, a testament to long ancestry that has involved handicrafting skills such as weaving and embroidery, passed down from generation to generation among the Monpa tribe. Most of the items use yak wool, sheep wool, and natural dyes that tend to speak volumes about their closeness to nature and provided evidence of using sustainable practices.
Monpa tribe headgear stands out because it captures the interplay between function and art, which marks its tribal design. The headgear made from plaited materials and lined with fur serves to warm and protect the cold (high) altitude of the area where the Monpas dwell. Earguards, provided as an add-on to the headgear, serve a very practical purpose—protection against the bitter Himalayan foothill winds. The Monpas are famous for their textile work and extreme attention to detail, evident in the beautifully embroidery patterns so frequently used on such headgear. Such decorative patterns are also deeply meaningful, embodying cultural significance that the tribe links to ancient ideas in nature and spirituality. Therefore, the headgear is a cultural icon worn during local festivities, religious ceremonies, or everyday activities on behalf of both cultural pride and the practical sanction of climate.
This artifact is referred to in the rare book Monpa: People and Culture of Arunachal Pradesh (details of author unavailable), which is a comprehensive treatise on the traditions, customs, and craftsman.