The exquisitely designed bamboo cup epitomizes the artistic craftsmanship of the Palaung tribe, a little-known but culturally rich ethnic group inhabiting parts of Arunachal Pradesh in India. Traditionally associated with the highlands, the Palaung are known for their distinctive bamboo works, mostly in common use, with mesmerizing art.The cylindrical cup is made of finely split bamboo, a material that is common and environmentally friendly and highly used by the tribe. The outer side of the cup is lacquered in golden color, which is a symbol of prosperity and ceremonial elegance in many tribal cultures. On this golden background, intricate red designs are painted, which may resemble tribal motifs, floral patterns, or geometrical shapes, that often stand for fertility, community life, or nature.
The inner side is lacquered in red, offering, indeed, a wonderful contrast and an enhancement of aesthetic beauty. The flat bottom also carries red-colored design patterns, exerting the artisan's insistence on detail and ultimately the decorative intent behind the object. Such cups are generally used during community feasts, rituals, and acts of hospitality, especially for serving local brews or tea.This cup, a testimony to the Palaung tribe, epitomizes the hybrid functions of beauty and utility as they express their identity in color, form, and all the traditional knowledge gleaned over the ages.