Odisha’s tribal women’s hair accessories will take your breath away!

Tribal women from Odisha, particularly those from various indigenous communities, wear unique and lesser-known hair accessories as part of their traditional attire. These accessories often have cultural, spiritual, or practical significance and are crafted from natural materials such as beads, metals, feathers, and bones.

1. Dokra Hairpin

The Dokra hairpin is a traditional ornament of brass and bronze used by women from the tribal communities in Odisha, such as the Gonds and the Bhumias. The intricate, hand-crafted pin is made using the ancient lost-wax casting technique, which makes each piece unique. It is used to hold the hair in place and is often adorned with traditional motifs like animals or symbols.

2. Horn or Bone Hairpin

Some tribal women from Odisha use hairpins made of animal horn or bone, which are carved into elegant, curvy shapes. These are often used to fasten or adorn the hair in a decorative manner, and they represent a connection to nature and traditional hunting practices.

3. Beaded or Glass Hair Bands

In some tribal groups like the Kondh, women weave or thread together beads or small glass pieces to create intricate hair bands. These bands can be worn as decorative headbands or used to tie the hair. The beads often hold cultural significance, representing fertility, beauty, or ancestral connections.

4. Feather Hair Ornaments

Feather hair ornaments are another lesser-known accessory used by tribal women, especially by the Santhal and Munda tribes. Feathers are attached to small braids or hair ties, creating an eye-catching look. They symbolize connection to nature and are worn during festive or important occasions.

5. Shell or Cowrie Shell Hair Accessories

Cowrie shells, traditionally considered symbols of wealth and fertility, are often strung together to form hair ornaments. These are worn by tribal women, particularly in the coastal and forested areas of Odisha. The shells may be sewn into braids or woven into hair ties.

6. Silver Hair Ornaments

Some tribal communities, like the Saora and the Koya, wear intricate silver jewelry in their hair. These ornaments can include small silver combs, tiaras, or decorative clips that serve both practical and ornamental purposes. Silver is considered sacred and is believed to ward off evil spirits.

7. Wooden Combs

Hand-carved wooden combs are used by women from different tribes in Odisha, including the Konds and Gonds. The comb is often decorated with tribal patterns, and its use is not just for hair grooming but also as a symbol of femininity and beauty.

8. Tribal Headdress with Hair Tassels

Some tribal women, especially in the areas near the borders with Chhattisgarh, wear elaborate headdresses with long, dangling hair tassels. These tassels are made of fabric or thread and can be decorated with beads or feathers, making them both practical and stylish.

9. Bone or Ivory Hair Ring

Among tribes like the Bondo or the Dongria Kondh, bone or ivory rings are sometimes worn in the hair as a decorative or symbolic accessory. These rings may also represent an individual’s status within the tribe.

10. Leaf and Flower Garlands

Some tribal women, particularly in rural Odisha, weave fresh flowers or leaves into their hair, creating temporary yet beautiful garlands. These are often worn during festivals, rituals, or celebrations.

These hair accessories are not just decorative; they hold deep cultural significance, with many representing beauty, identity, social status, or spiritual beliefs. They reflect the tribe’s connection to nature, tradition, and their unique ways of adornment.