Location

Niyamgiri Hills, Rayagada & Kalahandi districts (South Western Odisha)

The Niyamgiris are home to the Dongrias’ principal deity, Niyam Raja. Their sacred hills are represented in both their temples and textile through repeated triangle motifs.

Weaving community

Dongria Kondh tribe

Textile features

Kapdagandas are woven by the elder womenfolk. The shawls are a fixture in daily life, but also play an important part in ritual. The coarse off-white base cloth was historically procured from the Domb community in Rayagada through the bartering of harvested crops. The motifs are embroidered in three distinct shades of green, red and yellow - each with its own significance.