The people known as Mikir or Karbi traditionally inhabit the hill districts of Assam. Traditionally made textiles hold an allegory of deep connection with nature, values, and identity. One of the oldest forms of the traditional attire, the black-striped cotton cloth, is a long, narrow band for the Mikir/Karbi tribe that is worn and used in different cultural contexts. The textile is a long and narrow strip of handmade cotton cloth with red and black longitudinal stripes. They are bold in their interplay and according to Karbi, symbolize strength, energy, and protection-these are qualities that are deeply revered within the society. Such strong contrasts are often found in ceremonial dresses, ritual accessories, and denoting auspiciousness in certain rituals and community events.

An important feature of this cloth is the white designed stripe in the middle, giving it much contrast and symbolic significance signifying purity, clarity, and spiritual balance. The white stripe is beautifully white, wrought with intricate motifs that display the skills acquired from ancestral weaving designs passed through generations within the Karbi family. The textile is used mainly during the festivals, dances, and traditional ceremonies as a covering for carrying a headband, waistbands, and as a shoulder wrap for hanging as a decorative item during rituals. The weaving is done employing traditional looms, whereas the motifs are integrally woven using dyed cotton threads representing the individualistic artistic perception of the Karbi pertaining to their cultural base.