Mikir, well referred to as Karbi among tribal communities of India attests the status of indigenous ethnic group residing in Assam's northeastern part. This rich culture has been attained in a variety of forms, the most prominent amongst them, through traditional clothing and textiles. One of the very dear examples is the blue cotton fabric, which again forms the most functional and the most culturally important garment in which this Mikir tribe sees itself in the midst of everyday life. This blue cotton cloth is the narrowest woven piece of fabric, with blue, brown, and white stripes appearing along the length. These stripes are purely decorative but symbolize various aspects of nature and life. The blue, which represents the serene sky or tranquil waters, is balanced by the brown of the earth and brightened by the white of purity and peace. These three colors together resonate profoundly with the Mikir tribe's deep-rooted bond with nature and environment.
Both ends of the cloth are stitched to secure the fabric so as to lend durability to it. Now, stitching of the ends gives this cloth some usage for easily knotting or wrapping for different purposes-a loincloth, tying scarf, and many others. Whether this blue cotton cloth is to be used on an everyday basis or during some rituals, this shows a great manifestation of the traditional art of textiles. It shows how functional garments have been constructed using locally available materials, which by themselves, articulate the cultural identity and craftsmanship of this tribe.