The Rabha tribe of Assam, one of the state’s indigenous communities, has a distinctive traditional dress that reflects its rich culture and weaving heritage. The attire is mostly handmade from cotton using indigenous weaving techniques passed down through generations.
For Rabha women, the traditional dress includes the Kambang, a handwoven wrap-around skirt with colorful patterns, and the Rijampha, a beautifully designed upper garment. Women also wear ornaments made of silver, brass, and beads, enhancing their ethnic attire during festivals and ceremonies.
For Rabha men, the dress is simpler yet symbolic, usually consisting of a Gamcha-like cloth, dhoti, and sometimes a sleeveless jacket. During cultural occasions, men also adorn headgear and carry traditional accessories.
Weaving plays a vital role in Rabha society, with women primarily engaged in creating fabrics that represent tribal identity, social customs, and artistry. The use of vibrant colors, geometric motifs, and hand-spun textures makes Rabha attire unique among Assam’s tribal communities.
The traditional dress of the Rabha tribe is not just clothing but a representation of their cultural pride, heritage, and close bond with nature and community traditions.