---
title: "Identity on the Loom: The Bonda Tribe's Enduring Ringa Textile Tradition"
url: https://projectchintan.com/article/bonda-tribe-ringa-weaving-odisha-handloom-tradition-5f1vc
publisher: Project Chintan
author: Project Chintan Newsroom
published: 2026-08-07T02:36:51.000Z
modified: 2026-08-07T05:01:17.622Z
language: en-IN
---

# Identity on the Loom: The Bonda Tribe's Enduring Ringa Textile Tradition

In the remote Bonda Hills of Odisha, women from one of India's most isolated tribes continue to hand-weave the Ringa, a striped garment central to their cultural heritage. As modern influences reach the Malkangiri district, this matriarchal community balances ancient craftsmanship with emerging inte

## Key takeaways

- The Ringa is a handwoven skirt central to the identity of the Bonda tribe, a Particularly Vulnerable Tribal Group in Odisha.
- Bonda society is matriarchal, with women serving as the primary weavers, farmers, and community negotiators.
- Originally made from wild Kerang bark, the Ringa has transitioned to cotton while maintaining its traditional striped aesthetic.
- Modern textile collectors are now acquiring Ringas as art, providing a new but limited income stream for the weavers.

## The Fabric of Cultural Memory

In the village of Gokharipada, situated within the Malkangiri district of Odisha, the rhythmic motion of the loom remains a constant in Bonda households. Muduli, a local weaver, explains that every Ringa cloth produced serves as a repository for her family's history. The Ringa is a traditional wraparound skirt defined by its dense horizontal stripes in shades of red, maroon, black, white, and blue. For the Bonda people, recognized as one of India’s Particularly Vulnerable Tribal Groups (PVTGs), this textile is more than clothing; it is a visible marker of their unique lineage.

Anthropological research suggests the Bondas may descend from one of the earliest human migrations out of Africa roughly 60,000 years ago. Despite increasing exposure to the outside world, the community has maintained its Remo language and distinct social structures. In this matriarchal society, women occupy the central role in both economic and cultural spheres. They manage agricultural duties, trade at the weekly Thursday shandy in the Onukudelli market, and serve as the sole practitioners of the weaving arts.

## Evolution from Bark to Cotton

The materiality of the Ringa has shifted over time, reflecting changes in the Eastern Ghats' ecosystem and market access. Historically, weavers extracted fiber from the wild Kerang shrub to create the garment. As commercial trade routes opened, cotton yarn became the primary medium. However, the visual identity and structural integrity of the cloth have remained unchanged. Textile engineer Navaldeep Thareja, who documents rare craft clusters through Behrupiaa Arts, notes that the Ringa is exceptional because it was developed for personal utility rather than commercial exchange.

Unlike other Odisha handloom traditions that evolved to meet market demands, Bonda weaving is integrated into the daily cycle of domestic life. A single garment typically requires two to three days to finish, with work occurring in the intervals between farming and forest foraging. Because the fabric was designed for rigorous daily use rather than ceremony, it is characterized by an exceptionally tight and durable weave.

## Why It Matters

The Bonda weaving tradition represents a rare example of a non-commercialized textile heritage. While many indigenous crafts have been lost to mass production, the Ringa persists because it is tied to the community's internal identity. The transition of these cloths from functional attire to sought-after textile art provides a potential, albeit delicate, economic path for the tribe.

## Key Facts

- The Bonda tribe is classified as a Particularly Vulnerable Tribal Group (PVTG) residing in the hills of Odisha’s Malkangiri district.
- Traditional Ringa garments feature horizontal stripes in red, maroon, black, white, and blue.
- Weaving is passed down through generations of women via observation and oral instruction within the home.
- The garment was originally made from Kerang tree bark before transitioning to cotton yarn.
- While traditionally made for personal use, Ringas are now occasionally sold to collectors as wall hangings or table runners.

## What Happens Next

The intersection of tribal privacy and external interest remains a point of careful management. Initiatives like those led by Thareja focus on curated, small-group interactions that prioritize community comfort. To protect the sanctity of private homes, weavers often showcase their work at local homestays. As younger generations navigate the arrival of modern fashion, the survival of the Ringa depends on its continued relevance as a symbol of Bonda autonomy and heritage.

Source: The Hindu – Entertainment

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Canonical: https://projectchintan.com/article/bonda-tribe-ringa-weaving-odisha-handloom-tradition-5f1vc
Reported from: The Hindu – Entertainment