Themes
tribal clothing and textiles
Rikhousa - Traditional textile of Dimasa Tribe, assam
A Rikhousa bright yellow wrap is traditionally worn by Dimasa women for dances and festivals. The textile features beautiful double bright red borders to go with its vibrancy. This Rikhousa is one of the most important cultural wears, which stand for happiness, tradition, and the rich weaving tradition of the Dimasa tribe.
Yellow is the most primary element in the Rikhousa. This vibrant tint represents vigour and celebration within the Dimasa culture. The yellow background screams out with red and black motifs for aesthetic magnificence. It is culturally significant, especially during festive dances and gatherings in the community. The women carry the textile with grace during customary celebrations to symbolize the tribal identity and sustain the weaving tradition passed down through their mothers and generations.
There are two red borders on the Rikhousa which are strung with teeny yellow and black polka dots; they are one of the key design elements of the Rikhousa. So, talking about the complexity of patterns, they generally have a certain type of decorative value to them. Interestingly, the symmetry of the formation of polka dots makes them into a beautiful rhythm and most importantly shows the grace of the garment and its culture.
Two short borders of Rikhousa have hexagonal motifs woven in different colors. The geometric designs are intricately woven in a way that brings an air of elegance to the fabric. The hexagons symbolize harmony and unity in the Dimasa culture, giving it significance as a traditional garment. Rikhousa is part of Dimasa festive dance costumes, and with all the bright colors and intricate designs, it suits performing arts best.