Location

Malkangiri district, Southern Odisha

Weaving community

The Bondas

The Bondas were part of the first wave of migration from Africa some 60,000 years ago. They are a matriarchal society, identified as a Particularly Vulnerable Tribal Group by the Indian government. Their principal textile is the ringa.

Textile features

The ringa is essentially a loincloth worn by Bonda women, traditionally made using kerang fibre but now replaced by cotton yarn. They are woven on rudimentary looms, entirely for self-use. The colours are derived from vegetable dyes. Bonda women pair this versatile garment with their patent colourful beads and jewellery.