Tribal jewellery transcends mere decoration; it is a powerful expression of identity and culture, steeped in rich history and heritage. The bold silver bangles of Banjara women, the vibrant bead work of the Northeastern tribes, and the distinctive pieces from the Bhil tribes of Gujarat are all stunning representations of wearable heritage. In this post, we will confidently explore the diverse styles of tribal jewellery, show you how to seamlessly integrate them into modern fashion, and uncover the profound significance behind each piece.
What Is Tribal Jewellery and Why It Matters Today?
Tribal jewellery transcends mere accessories; it embodies the spirit of identity, tradition, and a deep connection to cultural customs. Crafted by tribal communities in India and around the globe, each piece reflects a rich heritage passed down through generations. These mesmerising creations are a celebration of artistry and culture that inspires pride and connection.
Tribal jewellery is a remarkable expression of heritage, crafted from materials like silver, brass, beads, shells, and seeds. It embodies the rich beliefs, natural environments, and rituals of tribal cultures. These exquisite pieces are handmade, ensuring that each item is unique and imbued with care, often created using traditional techniques without the aid of machines.
Even in contemporary times, artisans continue to honour these practices, producing stunning jewellery by hand. Importantly, tribal jewellery is made from resources provided by nature, establishing a powerful connection with the environment. This deep-rooted relationship instils a profound sense of pride within tribal communities.
But why is it still important today?
In a world dominated by fast fashion, tribal jewellery stands out as a symbol of authenticity and exquisite craftsmanship. It connects us to our roots, supports tribal artisans, and helps preserve endangered traditions while highlighting marginalised communities.
Today’s youth appreciate and celebrate this jewellery, making it a source of pride. Wearing tribal jewellery means embracing a rich heritage a story of culture and tradition that you can wear with pride.
The Tribal Touch: Unique Jewellery Styles from India’s Heartlands
In a world dominated by fast fashion, tribal jewellery boldly represents authenticity and exceptional craftsmanship. It connects us to our roots, supports tribal artisans, and preserves endangered traditions while highlighting marginalised communities. Today’s youth celebrate this jewellery, making it a proud expression of identity. Wearing tribal jewellery is not just a style choice; it’s a powerful declaration of heritage, a vibrant story of culture and tradition that you can wear with confidence.
Let’s discover some of the most iconic tribal jewellery styles that reflect the essence of India.
Banjara The Bold Beauty of the Nomads
The Banjaras, dressed in mirrored fabrics and adorned with thick silver jewelry, represent more than just a tribe; they embody a decade of resilience, color, and courage. Their nomadic spirit and strong sense of identity have established them as one of India’s most intriguing tribal communities.
Brief information about the jewellery worn by this Banjara woman
Nath (Nose Ring)
Design: Large, round, with chain or intricate loop pattern. Symbolizes the importance of a married woman; adornment and social initiative.
Jhumke (Earrings)
Style: Heavy, metal, pendant or side.Material: Silver or oxidised metal, often handmade.Use: Worn in earlobes or upper ear as a dangling or hoop
Hansuli / Choker Necklace
Design: A tight-fitting design around the neck, featuring carved metalwork and embedded stones. Cultural significance: Completes the traditional look; a special part of the identity of Banjara women
Layered Necklaces with Pendants
Composition: Multiple layers of red, green and blue glass or gemstone-studded necklace. Pendant style: Decorative ghungroo (metal balls) and motifs are attached. Symbolism: Reflects adornment, status and regional identity.
Kadaa (Thick Bangles)
Material: Silver or Brass. Worn on: Both arms. Purpose: To show cultural expression and tribal identity.
Gond The Forest Inspired Elegance
Brief information about the jewellery worn by this gond woman
Shell Headband:
A red cloth band adorned with white seashells (coy/shell beads). Worn during festivals, folk dances and ceremonies. And during religious festivals. A piece of black feather worn in the crown is given the significance of strength, pride and connection with nature. It is also a means of adornment
Earrings (Jhumka Style)
Dangle earrings are a beautiful symbol of cultural heritage. Crafted from heavy gold or brass, or cherished in silver, these dome-shaped earrings dance gracefully with every movement. Handmade and often passed down through generations, tribal jewellery embodies the artistry and spirit of the handicraft tradition.
Nose Jewellery Nose Studs and Nose Rings (Nath)
Small gold nose studs are worn on both sides of the nose. For festive occasions, a large, decorative round nose ring symbolises beauty and tradition, carrying significant meaning as an adornment.
Necklace
Coin Necklace (Mudra Necklace):This striking coin necklace, crafted from flat silver or metal coins strung together, is more than just an accessory; it embodies the deep-rooted spirituality and faith of tribal cultures. The significance of this piece resonates with themes of prosperity and pride in one’s heritage, making it a meaningful addition to any collection.
Bead Necklace:The bead necklace, made from vibrant red, black, and green beads sourced from natural elements, carries a beautiful message of harmony with nature. Each bead symbolizes fertility and strength, embodying the balance we seek in our lives and the world around us.
Chokkar (Hasli): The chokkar, or hasli, is a thick collar style necklace that can be made of silver or brass. Its design often includes a bell or ball pendant and showcases a variety of patterns. This piece not only enhances your look but also connects you to rich traditions and stories from the past.
Waist Ornament (Kardhani)
A metal waist belt worn over a saree, crafted from detailed silver. It is typically used for special wedding occasions and festivals, often adorned with dangling bells or coins that enhance its overall tribal beauty.
Bangles (Chudiya):
Metal bangles, primarily made of brass or silver plating, are worn on both hands. Some individuals use them during times of calamity, but the tribal people never sell them to outsiders.
Traditional Jewellery of Santhal Tribal Women
Brief information about the jewellery worn by this santhal woman
Earrings (Jhumka-style)
Traditional silver jhumkas feature a bell-shaped design, characterised by a round base and hanging beads, which enhance their beauty. Classical tribal designs are often found among the Santhal and other tribes.
Necklace (layered)
Upper Necklace:
Leaf Pattern Choker-Style Necklace Looks like Oxidised Silver or German Silver Floral Motif Centrepiece
Lower Necklace:
Long pendant necklace featuring a heart-shaped tribal motif with a lengthy chain that displays intricate tribal engravings. This signature design is commonly found in the tribal jewellery of rural Jharkhand and Odisha.
Armlets (Baajuband)
Thick silver bands with engraved detailing are present. One armlet has a black thread tied to a large bell-shaped ornament. This bell is symbolic and is often worn during tribal festivals. It may be referred to as a Ghungroo-style Baajuband in the local context.
Bangles & Bracelets
Thick oxidised silver bangles with floral and tribal carvings. If you look closely, one features a peacock or elephant motif. The bangles are two-layered: one is a plain strap, while the other is engraved. They match on both wrists for balance.
Kamarbandh / Waist Chain
Multi-Strand Silver Waist Chain (Kamarbandh)–
Worn at the edge of saree pleats. – Features a central floral lock or pendant with an embossed rose or lotus motif. – Connected by circular medallions, each engraved and serving as junction points.
Hanging Chains: –
Designed with layered silver tassel-style chains that hang in swags (ghunghru-style). – Each small chain ends in miniature dangling beads or drops. – This design creates a sound and shine effect that is characteristic of tribal festive jewellery.
Toda Tribal Jewellery for Rituals and Ceremonies
Brief information about the jewellery worn by this toda woman
Necklace
Design: Multi-layered silver-tone tribal pattern. Style: Geometric shapes and floral motifs with a handmade appearance. Material: Traditionally, Toda tribal women use silver or brass.
Earrings:
Style: Buddy silver loop style hoop earrings with an oxidised finish, reflecting a design common in Toda culture.
Chest Ornament:
Location: Centre of the garment. Look for large, round carved details with tribal motifs. Use: To hold a loose shawl or for decoration.
Traditional Bhil Tribal Jewellery: A Symbol of Culture and Identity
Brief information about the jewellery worn by this Bhil woman
Maang Tikka (Forehead Ornament)
A silver adornment worn along the hair parting, often featuring dangling chains and floral or leaf designs, that hangs gently over the forehead.
Borla / Rakhdi
Dome-shaped forehead jewellery is a popular tradition among the Bhil communities in Rajasthan and Madhya Pradesh, symbolising marital status and cultural heritage.
Nath (Nose Ring)
A large silver hoop worn in the nose, often adorned with small beads or stones, holds significant cultural and ceremonial importance.
Jhumka (Earrings)
Heavy silver danglers or bell-shaped earrings, engraved with tribal patterns, are sometimes worn with ear chains.
Haar (Necklace)
Multi-layered silver necklaces are popular. Coin necklaces, known as “Sikka Haar,” are especially iconic and may feature large central pendants with traditional motifs.
Hansli / Kanthi (Choker Necklace)
Thick, rigid neck ring made of solid silver sits tightly around the neck and represents strength and grace.
Bajubandh (Armlet)
Worn on the upper arms Silver bands with engraved tribal motifs Often used during festive dances.
Chudi / Kada (Bangles)
Thick silver bangles worn in stacks May cover the wrist to elbow Engraved with cultural symbols or coins.
Hathphool / Rings
Silver finger rings, sometimes attached with chains to the wrist Decorated with traditional tribal carvings
Kandora (Waist Belt)
A silver or beaded waistband Worn during cultural performances and rituals Symbol of femininity and grace
Traditional Jewellery of the Vasava Tribe: Symbolism in Silver
Information about the ornaments worn by a Vasava tribal woman during marriage customs.
Forehead Ornament
Adorned along the hair parting, often in silver, with dangling chains and floral or ornate designs, it gently drapes over the forehead.
Borla / Rakhdi
Dome shaped forehead ornaments are popular among the Bhil communities of Gujarat, Rajasthan, and Madhya Pradesh, serving as a symbol of tradition and marital status.
Nath (Nose Ring)
A large silver hoop worn in the nose, chosen voluntarily. Often adorned with small beads or stones, it has a very natural appearance and carries strong cultural and ceremonial significance.
Jhumka (Earrings)
Heavy silver danglers or bell-shaped earrings Engraved with tribal patterns Sometimes worn with ear chains.
Haar (Necklace)
Multi-layered silver necklaces, sometimes known as coin necklaces, are particularly prestigious. In the Vasava dialect, they are called jahuvaro. These necklaces often feature large central pendants adorned with traditional motifs.
Choker Necklace
Thick, rigid neck ring made of solid silver sits tightly around the neck, representing strength and grace.
Bajubandh (Armlet)
Worn on the upper arms Silver bands with engraved tribal motifs Often used during festive dances.
Kada (Bangles)
Thick silver bangles worn in a bun can cover from the wrist to the elbow engraved with cultural symbols or coins. Most of the time, cultural symbols are engraved. In the dialect, they are called a bidle.
Payal (Anklets)
Heavy silver anklets with bells create a rhythmic sound while walking or dancing. The Bhil woman has deep roots in aesthetics. In some cases, they are completely round and are paired with other anklets.
The Bold Beauty of Nagaland’s Tribal Jewellery Traditions
Brief information about the jewellery worn by this naga woman
Neck Jewellery (Hara / Bead Necklaces)
Material: Primarily deep red-orange coral or glass beads, with large brass tubes at the bottom. Style: Multi-layered, substantial, and graduated necklaces. Significance: These necklaces represent wealth, pride, and heritage, with the number of layers often indicating status.
Earrings
Type: Large, circular brass or metal hoop earrings. Material: Likely brass or bronze. Design: Simple yet bold, designed to hang from stretched earlobes, commonly worn by traditional Naga tribes.
Head Ornament (Forehead Band)
Material: A woven headband featuring white cowrie shells sewn in. Extras: Two to three feathers, likely from hornbills or jungle birds, tucked into the hair behind the band. Use: Worn during festivals, ceremonies, or as markers of tribal identity.
Arm Ornaments (Armlets / Bangles)
Style: Broad brass or bronze cuffs worn on the upper arms and forearms. Number: Two upper arm bangles and two wrist bangles. Use: Traditional adornment symbolizing strength and elegance.
There is a wealth of information about tribal jewellery. However, we will discuss it in Part 2 and explore it in detail.
Tribal Jewellery: Not Just Adornment, But the Soul of a People
Every piece of tribal jewellery embodies more than mere beauty; it represents memories, struggles, love, and a rich heritage. This is not jewellery created for fleeting fashion trends; these are sacred symbols of identity, passed down through generations of resilient tribal women.
Each symbol powerfully conveys a message from nature. Preserving these pieces is an act of honouring the untold stories intricately carved into beads and brass, worn with pride close to the heart. Crafted from the natural resources bestowed upon us by the earth, this jewellery reflects the deep connection to nature that every tribal society celebrates. While each community has its own unique customs and rules, the reverence for nature remains a shared and unshakable pride.
FAQs
What is tribal jewellery and why is it important?
Tribal jewelry consists of handmade adornments created by indigenous communities, typically crafted from natural materials like beads, brass, conch shells, and bones. These pieces are more than mere decorations; they symbolise lineage, culture, and spiritual beliefs that have been passed down through generations.
How is Nagaland’s tribal jewellery different from other regions?
Nagaland’s jewellery is striking and meaningful, featuring vibrant bead necklaces, brass armlets, and cowrie embellished headbands that represent a woman’s status, clan, and cultural pride.
What materials are used in traditional tribal jewellery?
Common materials include coral beads, shells, animal bones, feathers, and ivory, along with brass, bamboo, and natural stones. They are chosen for their spiritual significance and availability in tribal regions, all being completely natural.
Is tribal jewellery still worn today?
Yes, many tribal communities continue to wear traditional jewellery during festivals, rituals, and ceremonies. Younger generations are also embracing these traditions to preserve their heritage and express their identity. In some communities, this practice is even observed during marriage rituals.
Can tribal jewellery be worn as fashion today?
Designers and artisans are reintroducing tribal jewelry into modern fashion, honoring its cultural origins and meeting strong market demand. Wearing it ethically supports the skilled artisans and celebrates the rich heritage behind each piece.
Can a single piece of tribal jewellery carry the weight of a whole story?
Objects often carry profound significance. Grandma’s necklace of old red beads represents love lost in battle, struggles for land, and celebrations where communities momentarily forget their hunger. In tribal cultures, a bracelet, feather, or bead is not just an accessory; it embodies the voices of ancestors and the enduring spirit of survival.
Conclusion: Tribal Jewellery Is Memory Made Visible
Tribal jewellery is not merely an accessory; it is a powerful experience that embodies the heartbeat of generations and the unyielding strength of tribal women. It represents customs that have stood resilient through challenges, marked by determination and fierce pride. Every bead tells a story, and every metal cuff is a testament to a life rich with meaning, resilience, and purpose.
For tribal women and communities across India, this jewellery transcends decoration; it is a profound language that speaks of love, land, loss, and heritage. When they gift a necklace, they are bestowing a piece of their very soul. By preserving tribal jewellery, we are safeguarding not just art forms but also invaluable stories, cultures, and the invisible threads that bind communities together. Let us refuse to let this beauty fade into silence. Let us honour it boldly and carry its legacy forward.
For your information, we will include the information about many tribal jewellery items in the next blog. Your feedback is very important to us.
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Thank you for being a part of this journey. thanku thanku thanku………………………..