“For every person who dresses from head to toe in traditional tribal attire, five animals are killed,” Arunachal Pradesh’s Nabam Bapu (29) points out.

Growing up, the civil engineer was proud of his rich cultural traditions, which included the festive attire donned by his Nyishi tribe.

But as he grew older, he understood how animal parts constituted a major chunk of the attire. And so, in an attempt to ensure that traditions continue without hurting animals, Nabam, along with his wife Likha Nana (29), a post-graduate in history, started Arunachal Ivory and Ornaments in 2022.

Elaborating on how animal parts are used in the tribal attire, Nabam shares, there is the eagle-clawed hairstyle which deploys real eagle claws, a headgear that features the beak of the Great Indian Hornbill — a ‘vulnerable’ species according to the IUCN (International Union for Conservation of Nature), and a backpack with a sword whose cover is made of monkey skin.

The jewellery meanwhile includes tiger nails, jaws of tigers and clouded leopards — both ‘vulnerable’ according to the IUCN, and teeth of wild boars.

Nabam adds, “The jaws of the tiger and clouded leopard are worn by the Nyub (priest) and Nyagam (orator). They signify importance.”

Through Arunachal Ivory and Ornaments, Nabam, Likha and their friend, Anang Tadar, are marking a first by 3D printing the animal parts to offer the tribes sustainable alternatives.

Every day, many replicas of animal parts are produced by the startup; these include tiger jaws, clouded leopard jaws, eagle claws and hornbill beaks.

In 2023, the startup’s work was recognised by the Arunachal Government, winning a grant of Rs 5 lakh.