Like a hidden treasure, tribal jewellery is one of the most treasured and ancient forms of jewellery. Since ancient times, tribal communities across the globe have used jewellery. Various tribal communities from Africa, India and other regions use different types of materials and have their own designs that are particularly specific to their tribes. Essentially crafted with the simplest of materials like clay, bone, wood and crude metals, tribal jewellery holds a rustic charm of its own.
Back in the day, with the onset of colonialism different Indian tribes were limited by financial restrictions and hardships, yet they still continued to make jewellery with whatever resources were available to them. This age-old handcrafted jewellery has also suffered the wrath of modern technological advancements. Although poverty remains a huge factor, many ethnic tribal communities are trying hard to preserve this dying art form.
Types of tribal jewellery in India
As mentioned above there are many forms of indigenous jewellery specific to certain tribes in India. Take a look:
- Bastar: Residing in the middle of India, Bastar is a district in the state of Chattisgarh. Tribes like Gond, Bhatra, Abhuj Maria and their sub-castes constitute this region. Popular for its beautiful forests, one of the endearing factors of this place is its pottery and jewellery featured with intricate designs. Crafted mainly in silver, wood, copper, wildflowers, peacock feathers etc. They are also known to indulge in enticing coin jewellery.
- Khasi, Jaintia& Garo: Khasi, Jaintia and Garo are the three major tribes that predominantly reside in the state of Meghalaya. Full of scenic beauty and picturesque mountains, the culture and art of this region is quite captivating. Their jewellery designs are mainly focused on beaded designs of red corals and thin glasses. The red coral necklace is known as “Paila” and is mostly worn on festive occasions.
- Banjara: The nomadic tribe of Rajasthan is known for its colourful and heavy weight jewellery. The main highlight of their designs is the colourfulmeenakari work also known as enamelling done in intricate designs of silver. Their jewellery can also be distinguished by the jingling bells dropping from most of their jewellery pieces like anklets, necklaces, bangles, etc. They also curate designs from brass metal along with shells, coins, beads and chains. Their eccentric collection is very much famous across the country.
- Bhutia: The Bhutia tribe belong to the state of Sikkim. Their jewellery is mainly made of metals like gold, silver along with gemstones like coral and turquoise. The men and women of the tribe share a love for traditional gold jewellery. And only 24Kt gold is exclusively used in the making of their jewellery. The jewellery items mostly used by the Bhutia women have specific names like Yencho (earring), Khao(necklace), Phiru (pearl ornament), Diu(gold bangle), and Joko (ring).
- Odisha: There are more than 50 tribes in the region of Odisha. The tribes there usually use a combination of brass, silver and wax to make one of the famous tribal jewellery known as Dhokra. The process involved in making this jewellery is the lost wax technique. Tarkashi and silver filigree is another category that is popular in the regions of West Bengal and Odisha. Fine strands of silver are used to make delicate yet sturdy designs that are eye-catching and unique.
Once a simple art form limited only to certain communities, tribal jewellery is now getting famous with much help. This fast erodingjewellery form has faced the brunt of poverty, lack of amenities, etc. and though it has not been put back to its feet yet. It has certainly become popular in recent times. From big designer brands to small jewellery houses they have all started taking a keen interest in the handicrafts made by the tribal folks.
Miorah’s Tribal Jewellery collection is thus an ode to the unparalleled heritage of India. It provides a platform wherein this precious craft is viewed and valued. Our selection of designs is inspired by the rich cultural diversity of our country. Handcrafted by our expert artisans, Miorah’s designs stand out amongst all.
Fusion of traditional grandeur with modern geometries
Our artisans are maestros in curating designs that retain the authenticity of our tribal cultures and their traditions whilst combining them with modern trends which helps in sustaining the interest of contemporary women. Taking inspiration from every corner of India, Miorah’s selection of tribal jewellery is reminiscent of old charms fused with the modern ones. Earrings like the jhumkas or the drops feature the modern art deco symmetric lines laced with nature-inspired motifs of flowers, peacocks etc. We also offer a range of oxidized silver tribal jewellery which has a plethora of options in necklaces, earrings, rings, bracelets etc. Miorah also presents a tribal collection embellished with semi-precious stones like American diamonds, labradorite, peridots accentuated with intricate designs of filigree and alluring drops. Our artistic intricacies know no bounds and we constantly work to give you designs that you can hold onto.
Miorah’s affordable designs
Miorah works in close association with the artisans to help them understand the dynamics of the market. Our collection of tribal jewellery is favoured by women around the world and indeed there are lots of reasons behind it. Miorah’s designs are not only eye-catching but are very much cost-effective. We believe in curating designs that suit the budget of every woman who shops online. From necklaces to toe rings and everything in between begins at economical prices that won’t burn a hole in your pocket. A trait that is missing somewhere else. All these factors make Miorah the best destination for tribal jewellery online.
Styling Tips
If you are a fan of bold and chunky tribal jewellery, then we will advise you to keep your outfit minimalist. You can style a simple kurta with a big statement necklace along with our lovely pairs of silver jhumka earrings. Miorah’sChandbali earrings are the perfect match for your traditional outfits like sarees and lehengas. Style your silk saree with our attractive Afghani chandbali earrings and sway your head back and forth in style. You can complete your look by adding a pair of our delightful anklets and toe rings.
Our quirky pendants and bracelets are also a great match for your casual looks. Style them with a white shirt and jeans and you are good to go.
Author’s Bio-
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