Under the museum series ‘Exhibit of the Month’ of Indira Gandhi Rashtriya Manav Sangrahalaya, a traditional object is displayed in the appearance for a whole month. The exhibit for the month of October -”Kapadaganda” is on display from October 1, 2013 onwards in the indoor exhibition building – Veethi Sankul.
The October month’s exhibit gained huge popularity amongst the visitors. The minute work of traditional tribal art work on Kapdaganda has been liked by the spectators. Visitors also loved the purpose for which Kapdaganda is gifted at it is very unique.
Kapdaganda- a token of love: Embroidered with colourful motis and designs on both sides, Kapdaganda is a prestigious shawl of Dongria Kondh tribe, a primitive sub section of Kondh tribe who inhabit the forest land along the slopes of the great Niyamgiri hill ranges of Rayagada and Kalahandi districts of Odisha. They also identify themselves as Jharnia because they live in close conjunction with a perennial hill stream.
Woven with excellent craftsmanship, this shawl is specifically prepared by the spinsters of Dhangidibasa (female dormitory) during leisure hours. It is used by Dongria Kondhs of all ages irrespective of gender. Kapdaganda is gifted by the Dongria girls to their beloved ones as a token of love. It is also presented by them to their brother and father as a symbol of affection to strengthen consanguinal relations. Aesthetically added designs and motifs in the shawl unfold social beliefs and religious practices. The ‘Exhibit of the Month’ for November will be “Kuttrirastha Theyyam” of Kerala it will be inaugurated on November 1, 2013.