The Topariaka, a headgear worn by the Gadaba tribe of Odisha, is made of leaves and bamboo splits. This naturally crafted headgear has a wide brim and a conical point, and, besides orientation, serves its decorative purpose in tribal life.
The rim is reinforced with bamboo splits giving the headgear durability and shows the tribe's skill in manipulating natural materials. Twisted coconut rope is then fixed onto the inner surface of the Topariaka's rim so that the headdress can be tightly secured to the head. This combination of practicality and artistry signifies the close attachment that the Gadaba people have to nature and their ecological awareness. The Topariakas are used for rituals and dances and are a part of cultural festivities. Apart from protecting one against the sun and rain, the headgear personifies tribal identity and heritage. Local materials like bamboo and coconut rope used in making these hats declare that the traditional practices involved are sustainably maintained down the ages