The Iubabu is a vintage and finely crafted head ornament worn by women of the Bonda tribe, an ancient indigenous community of the highlands, literally way up and remote, in the Malkangiri district of Odisha, India. Bonda women make ornaments from naturally available materials that are beautiful and culturally significant; they are striking in appearance and deeply rooted in cultural expression. The Iubabu is one of those beautiful ornaments. This headgear ornament is made from very finely trimmed dry grass put together and styled into a highly decorative composition. The Iubabu is the pair itself, which signifies the artistry of the Bonda, where even simple materials with the slightest amount of sophistication are put into artistic form.
The entire surface of the ornament has been intricately patterned by taking strands of grass and folding and twisting them firmly, displaying a high degree of skill and attention to details. The Iubabu is much more than mere embellishment; it symbolizes the cordial relationship maintained by the tribes with Mother Nature and is part of their cultural identity. Most times, the ornament is worn during celebrations, rituals, and major community gatherings, imparting elegance to the wearer while sharing the stage with cultural pride. The documentation and preservation of such crafts as the modern era penetrates the tribal belt are very much called for. The Iubabu is an indicator of indigenous creativity as well as sustainable practice that holds its roots in nature.