Unique Dokra Bangles & Handcrafted Bracelets Collection
Authentic Dokra Art & Handcrafted Bracelets
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Artisan-Made Tribal and Tibetan Earrings
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Tribal jewellery is a special kind of jewellery that is prepared by Indian communities with materials found in their local environment. One thing that stands out about ancient tribal jewellery is that it has a profound cultural significance and its aesthetic appeal is highly praiseworthy.
History & Origin of Tribal Jewellery In India
If we were to take a look at the handmade jewellery of tribal areas, we shall experience that these regions have relied on the use of tribal jewellery not just for personal and physical adornment, but for a variety of other reasons such as social status.
Different Types of Tribal Jewellery Across India
India is a land of diverse cultures. Each tribe from different locations in India have unique customs and beliefs that have influenced their art, crafts and jewellery. From elaborate head gears to intricately designed earrings Indian tribal jewellery has a standing of its own.
In this blog, we have put together a list of different tribes across India and their legacy of unique handmade tribal jewellery.
#1 Bastar Tribal Jewellery from Madhya Pradesh
We have to talk about the Bastar region when we are referencing Indian tribal jewellery. One of the most unique features of this type of jewellery is that it uses silver. Proficient artisans use a special technique known as Dokra to create intricate designs of Dokra jewellery. Furthermore, the craftsmen also use beads, pearls and feathers to impart a distinct appeal to this Indian ethnic jewellery and make unique pieces like Dokra anklets which have gained immense popularity.
#2 Tribal Banjara Jewellery from Rajasthan
Banjara jewellery is one of the most popular Indian tribal jewellery. It is characterised by its bold and unique designs, colourful and bold patterns and the usage of different materials during the process of jewellery making. This kind of tribal jewellery is beautifully embellished with coins, beads, cowrie shells etc. Kasliwal jewellery is one of the most famous kinds of Banjara jewellery.
#3 North East Indian Tribes & their Jewelleries
The Northeastern region of India harbours and nurtures many indigenous tribes that have their own special style of making tribal jewellery. The Khasi tribe, which is primarily from Meghalaya, makes a special kind of tribal jewellery with the use of bamboo, grass and other materials in their surroundings. In order to give an interesting look to their creation, the artisans from the Khasi tribe use feathers and beads to enhance the appeal of their jewellery.
The Garo jewellery is prepared by the Garo tribe from Meghalaya. Their special Gorvor necklace is a special kind of necklace that is prepared using brass beads and it depicts nature through its design making it a unique ensemble in Indian ethnic jewellery.
#4 Hansuli Necklace from the Tribes of Jharkhand & Bihar
The tribes from the neighbouring states of Jharkhand and Bihar also have a rich history of tribal jewellery. Their special Hansuli necklace is a special kind of choker that is worn by both men and women. In fact, this necklace gained widespread prominence when Deepika Padukone and Shahid Kapoor wore this style of Indian tribal jewellery in the movie Padmavat.
#5 Tribal Jewellery from Chamba, Himachal Pradesh
The tribes of Himachal Pradesh have a rich cultural history and one of the most famous pieces of Chamba tribal jewellery from the region is the Chamba handkerchief which is hand embroidered and often worn as a headscarf by women. In addition to that, the Gujjar necklace, anklets and bracelets also personify the rich tribal jewellery history of the region. Himalayan earrings are also famous in this region.
How Tribal Jewellery is Crafted
Handmade tribal jewellery in India is a testament to the unique craft skills of different tribes and indigenous communities. The process of creating handcrafted tribal jewellery is often deeply rooted in traditions and techniques that have been passed down through generations. From using diverse materials like gold, silver, and bronze metals to using natural elements like stones, beads, wood, and shells, tribal ornaments of India are truly unique.
While handcrafted tribal jewellery within some tribes is made through wax or clay casting, some tribes use a delicate technique of twisting wires into intricate shapes and embellishing them with beads or stones. Some tribes in Bengal are masters of terracotta handmade tribal jewellery where clay is fired in a kiln.
Indian ethnic jewellery is not just popular among other Indians but tribal ornaments of India have gained popularity worldwide. Today many are buying handcrafted tribal jewellery online or at different exhibitions that are held across the world.
Conclusion
India is a melting pot of so many beautiful cultures and ethnicities and each community has something unique and absolutely stunning to offer in terms of food, clothing and tribal jewellery. From the intricate design of the Chamba rumaal to the royalty of the Hansuli necklace, our ancient tribal jewellery is a testament to our glorious past. In light of urbanisation and modernization, it has become increasingly important to hold onto the essence of our traditional roots and heritage. Therefore, our alluring tribal jewellery history has intrigued and amazed people over generations and continues to do so.
FAQs on Tribal Jewelleries of India
What is the jewellery of tribals?
Jewellery of tribals can be defined as special handcrafted jewellery pieces that are reflective of the particular history and culture of a respective community. Tribal jewellery has a lot of cultural significance and hence they are usually passed on as an heirloom as well.
What is the tribal jewellery of Maharashtra?
Maharashtra has a throwing range of tribal jewellery and some of its most famous jewels of the tribes include, a traditional necklace known as the Kolhapuri Saaj, a silver bangle known as Tode, Nath and many other things.
How can I buy authentic tribal jewellery?
You can authentic tribal jewellery from iTokri. We understand that it isn't physically possible for us to travel to each of these amazing places to get their amazing jewellery pieces and hence, we have put together a gorgeous range of Indian tribal jewellery on our website.
What is the tribal jewellery of the North Eastern states of India?
The tribal jewellery from our North Eastern states is absolutely awe-worthy. Some of the most famous kind of traditional jewellery from the region include:
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Khasi Jewellery
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Naga Jewellery
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Mizo Jewellery
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Jewellery prepared by the tribes of Bodo, Tiwa from Assam
- Tribal jewellery from the Hmar tribe of Mizoram
How is tribal jewellery made?
Tribal ornaments of India are made with various techniques which are unique to each tribe. While the Khasi tribe of Meghalaya uses dried grass to create intricate jewellery, the Banjara tribe of Rajasthan uses coins, beads, cowrie shells for making tribal jewellery.
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