Odisha is a densely tribalized state with sixty-two tribes residing in various portions of the state. Each tribal society has its own style of life, with considerable differences in attire, ornamentation, house-building skills, and overall manner of life. This distinction in their lives may be seen in their material culture, art artefacts like paintings and drawings, as well as the sizes and forms of the many objects they utilise. Dress is a cultural necessity for the tribes, as well as a component of their tradition.
The usage of clothing is highly important and worthwhile among the tribes. The tribes don’t use clothing solely to cover their nakedness; it also expresses their ethnic feelings and cultural identity. When it comes to festivals and celebrations, the tribals dress in unique outfits. For example, a Dhangedi (maiden) dresses up to gain people’ attention, but the Gurumai, the priestess, dresses up to serve the goddess for the sake of her society. Dress also aids people in many hardships and aids in the worship of gods and goddesses who protect them from the hostile crimes of ghosts, spirits, and other supernatural beings.
The tribals also wear clothing that corresponds to their social status, such as the clan chief, the priest, and the revenue collector. They wear different costumes for different occasions like as marriage, birth, funeral, worship, and so on. They choose gowns based on the occasion, age, gender, and other variables.
Material culture is an important aspect of their artistic practice. Even the materials used in their costumes and dresses have an artistic flair. It’s also a reflection of the art that has been passed down through the generations. On the surface, it appears that people wear clothing merely to prevent being exposed to the elements, such as cold, rain, and sunlight. The tribal outfits, on the other hand, display the community’s individuality and self-identity. Possessing the appropriate attire is a source of pride and excitement for many people.The Bondos’ “Rings” and the Dangarias’ embroidered shawl have significant social and cultural importance. The Dangria shawl is inextricably linked to the marriage bond, and its success is dependent on it. The Lanjia Saora’ dancing costumes, as well as their usual attire, are excellent examples of their rich cultural past. They gain a tinge of regal dignity and heroism as they dance in the clothing of the clan’s chief “Gamango”
They employ their own indigenous technologies to make clothing. They mainly collect the fibre from bamboo and other trees; they set up the wooden loom in front of their house or in the garden, and some even put it on the village’s small route. In their spare time, they weave. Men and women both weave. Only women weave in certain societies. The ladies create a variety of garments for themselves and their male family members.
