15 • Textile Heritage of Dongria Kondhs • Anuradha Kandala 

Anuradha Kandala, a social entrepreneur, will present a 30-minute online talk on the rich traditions of the Dongria Kondh tribe of Odisha, with a particular focus on their unique textile, Kapdaganda. In this presentation, Kandala will explore the deep connection the Dongria Kondh community has with nature, which is beautifully reflected in their traditional textile art. She will discuss the cultural and symbolic significance of Kapdaganda, highlighting how it embodies the community’s respect for the environment and their intricate knowledge of natural resources.Kandala will also share insights into her work with the Dongria Kondh through her venture, Folkweaves. She will explain how Folkweaves is committed to promoting sustainable and ethical business practices, ensuring that the creation and sale of these textiles benefit the community while preserving their cultural heritage. The presentation will conclude with a 30-minute Q&A, providing an opportunity for the audience to engage with Kandala on topics such as ethical fashion, the challenges of working with indigenous communities, and the importance of preserving traditional crafts in a rapidly changing world.

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social entrepreneur
founder, Folkweave Koraput, Odisha

The Dongria Kondh tribe, deriving their name from "dongar" meaning 'hill', call themselves Jharnia, or "protector of streams." Known for their distinctive jewellery, tattoos, and hairstyles, Dongria women adorn many rings through their ears and three through their noses, while the boys wear two nose rings. The tribe has lived for generations in the lush green environs of the Niyamgiri Mountains, maintaining a sacred and symbiotic relationship with nature. Their extensive knowledge of the forests, plants, and wildlife has been passed down through generations. The tribe holds Niyam Dongar, one of the mountains in the Niyamgiri range, as the abode of their divine god, Niyam Raja (The King of Law). Their religion, rooted in a deep respect for nature, observes traditional rules of restraint known as 'niyam', which include taboos against felling trees on mountain tops, as a mark of respect to their supreme deity.

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