Handcrafted tribal wear of stunning designs

Tribal Jewelry of Odisha

Of all the states of India, Orissa has the largest number of tribes, as many as 62. Each of these tribal groups has its own distinctive adornments but I will tell about the most typical and interesting ones. The Bondo tribe is the most spectacular tribe of its kind in all India living in the wild hills in the south of Orissa. Bondo means “the naked ones”, a name given them by the Indians of the plains. According to legend, Bondo women were condemned and a commandment forbids them either to grow their hair or to wear any clothing apart from a home-woven loincloth.

There are several subgroups of Kondh: Dongria, Kutia, Desia, Kui. However, their jewelry is very similar and one can easily recognise a Kondh woman by her adornments. First of all, all Kondh women wear three golden rings in their nose . Secondly, they make their hairstyles more beautiful by using different hair clips and pins made of iron, brass, copper or silver. Kondh girls decorate their heads with as many as fifty types of hair clips and their buns are set with more than ten types of hairpins.

The Kondhs are the largest tribal in Orissa.

They compensate for this restriction by adorning themselves with a great number of brass or aluminum rings piled on top of each other around their necks and magnificent necklaces of glass beads that cover their naked torsos down to their hips and serve as upper garments. Their shaved heads are also covered with bands of multi-strings glass beads.

Sometimes among hair ornaments there is a miniature version of a ceremonial knife for buffalo sacrifice and a spiral ornament with a scissor-like shape. Numerous (about 16 in each ear) earrings are another typical adornment of the Kondh women.

Girls have their nose and ears pierced when they are still babies. This custom is not simply for decoration but also provides protection against evil spirits that might otherwise penetrate the body’s openings. The bells worn by kids are also meant to keep evil spirits away.

Kondh girls also wear coin necklaces made of different, mostly 50 paise and 1 rupee, coins. Girls show their financial status wearing this type of necklace. The coin rings are also common.

Women of the Saora tribe can be recognized by the large wooden ear discs. The upper part of the ears is also decorated with numerous rings.

Very distinctive ornaments wear women of the Gadaba tribe. When a Gadaba woman marries she receives thick aluminium neck-rings which she then wears for the rest of her life not taking them off even during sleep. These are complemented with no less thick bangles and enormous copper wire ear-hoops which are supported by a cord passed over head.

Dokra Jewellery - Handcrafted tribal wear of stunning designs

Home to 62 tribes, Odisha represents a significant percentage of India’s simple and fun-loving adivasis, who grace the remote interiors of the country. In perfect harmony with nature, these adivasis of Odisha remain largely unaffected by the rapid advances of civilization elsewhere in the state. A life where song, dance and revelry is not entertainment, but a way of life. But what really catches the eye is the amazing array of jewellery worn as a part of their daily life. Wide anklets, delicate nose-rings, quaint armlets, thick neckbands, and multiple earrings: the heavy jewellery complements and competes with the tattoos adorning the tribal women. And the most fascinating aspect is that the designing and crafting of this jewellery – using the Dokra method – has remained unchanged over more than four thousand years. This internationally acclaimed art form with its simple design and traditional folk motifs has made traditional tribal jewellery a highly coveted item.

Tribal jewellery is reflective of the beauty and simplicity of the adivasis. It is as much in harmony with nature as the people themselves. Glamorise yourself with this tribal jewellery today. Just close your eyes, experience the subtle touch of ethnic delight and you might find yourself at one with the adivasis, moving in tandem to the reverberating drum beats and celebrating life in all its simplicity.

Dokra Jewellery – Handcrafted tribal wear of stunning designs

Home to 62 tribes, Odisha represents a significant percentage of India’s simple and fun-loving adivasis, who grace the remote interiors of the country. In perfect harmony with nature, these adivasis of Odisha remain largely unaffected by the rapid advances of civilization elsewhere in the state. A life where song, dance and revelry is not entertainment, but a way of life. But what really catches the eye is the amazing array of jewellery worn as a part of their daily life. Wide anklets, delicate nose-rings, quaint armlets, thick neckbands, and multiple earrings: the heavy jewellery complements and competes with the tattoos adorning the tribal women. And the most fascinating aspect is that the designing and crafting of this jewellery – using the Dokra method – has remained unchanged over more than four thousand years. This internationally acclaimed art form with its simple design and traditional folk motifs has made traditional tribal jewellery a highly coveted item.

ODISHA

Tribal jewelry

Tribal jewellery is reflective of the beauty and simplicity of the adivasis. It is as much in harmony with nature as the people themselves. Glamorise yourself with this tribal jewellery today. Just close your eyes, experience the subtle touch of ethnic delight and you might find yourself at one with the adivasis, moving in tandem to the reverberating drum beats and celebrating life in all its simplicity.

Away from the hustle and bustle of city life. Tribals of Odisha are laced with the treacherous hilly areas and are still dependent on forest resources for survival. But since time immemorial, these tribals especially women, have been very particular about their fashion sense and adorn themselves with exquisite pieces of jewellery!

Here`s listing up some of the jewelleries which have been a prime part of every tribal women`s life

Bangle

This incredible thing adds an extra spark to the charismatic personality of the tribal women. From chudi to Kacha, Balang to Baling. Sunguri to Kaja Tedua, these contemporary bangles are utter fashionable to glam up for any occasion. Made of brass mostly, these bangles come in different shapes and sizes.

Neck Ring

With polished contours, these round metallic elements add a dash of boldness to every tribal woman. Known as Hansuli bu Oraon, Kagudika by Dongra Kondh, these items not only complement the collar bone but also accentuate their outfit. Not just one or two, women mostly prefer to wear a lot of them at a time!

Waist Chain

Away from the world where fashion rules, the tribal women exactly know how to deck themselves up! The dainty, dazzling waist chains gleaming with detail is the perfect contrast for the waist. These elements not only express the artistic statement of the tribal women but also retain a classic regal look!

Necklace

By adding a glamorous vible to the tribal trend, these colourful necklace look amazing on a tribal woman`s attire. Be it with different shades or brass beads and even paired with coin of fancy charms, these elegant necklace are extremely sublte and modish!

Earrings

The trend to typically stack too many hoop rings on the upper ear! Apart from being interesting, these earrings reflect the culture of nomadic and adventurous lifestyle of tribal women!

Nose Ring

Giving an edgy look, these nose rings, often referred as Septum rings are pierced on the area between the nostrils. Not only these rings give a classy twist to the tribal look of women but also describe their mystique allure!

Anklet

Amalgamation of style and elegance, these tribal anklets kindle the charm of one`s personality. Addressed as Andu, Khadu, Pairi, Kalpati or Panhari by different tribes, these graceful anklets create their own unique stule and are a definite pick for any season.

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