Threads of Identity: The Kapdaganda Shawl and the Pride of the Dongria Kondh

High in the Niyamgiri hills, where the forests breathe ancient stories and every stream whispers its own song, the Dongria Kondh tribe carries forward a tradition woven with identity, resistance, and pride. Among their many cultural treasures, the Kapdaganda shawl stands out as a symbol of heritage that speaks without words. It is more than a garment; it is a tapestry of memory, belief, and craftsmanship that has travelled across generations.

The Kapdaganda shawl, crafted traditionally by Dongria women, is instantly recognisable with its intricate patterns of red, yellow, and deep green. These colours are not mere decoration but embodiments of the tribe’s close relationship with nature. Each geometric motif mirrors elements of their landscape, from the mountain slopes they revere to the flora that sustains them. For the Dongria Kondh, weaving is not just an art form but a sacred practice that binds the community together. The shawl is lovingly created using simple backstrap looms, where every thread passes through the weaver’s hands with patience and intent. This connection between craft and spirit imbues the shawl with a sense of life, making it more than fabric, it becomes culture you can touch.

In the Dongria Kondh community, the shawl holds deep social significance. It is worn proudly during festivals, rituals, and community gatherings, often draped by both men and women. For women especially, weaving the Kapdaganda shawl is a rite of passage, a skill taught from a young age and refined over time. These shawls also serve as cherished gifts, exchanged during marriages or significant community events as symbols of respect, unity, and belonging. To own a Kapdaganda is to carry a fragment of the Dongria spirit.

In recent years, the shawl has drawn wider attention as the tribe’s unique cultural identity becomes better known outside the hills. Craftspeople and organisations have stepped in to support Dongria weavers, helping create market access while ensuring the authenticity of the craft remains untouched. Despite the winds of modernity, the Dongria Kondh continue to weave their stories into these vibrant textiles, preserving not just a tradition, but a worldview shaped by nature, resilience, and collective harmony.

The Kapdaganda shawl is thus a living heritage. It embodies a people who have guarded their land with fierce devotion and nurtured their culture with quiet strength. Every thread celebrates the Dongria Kondh way of life, a reminder that true art is not merely made, but lived.