Guhor is this rare and ceremonial headgear made from the preserved head and beak of the hornbill and was worn traditionally by the Abor tribe of Arunachal Pradesh. The hornbill is worshiped among many tribal cultures of Northeast India; it is not only a bird of majesty but is also regarded as a symbol of strength, honor, and tribal identity.
The hornbill's head and beak are left in their natural state to create an aesthetically impressive and ritualistic piece. When worn, they exude courage and leadership associated with warriors or the elders of the tribe. The natural textures and colors of the bird are enhanced in some cases with feathers or animal hair. Such headgear finds its place during festivals, tribal dances, and ceremonial congregations, exercising certain spiritual and social functions. It binds the wearer to ancestral belief systems and to an understanding of the tribe's near relationship with nature.