India is a country, blessed and endowed with a rich tribal culture. Despite the pace of modernization, many of our unique traditions are still intact. Tribal Jewellery is especially known for its earthy charm. Since they are different from other conventionally made Jewellery items, the rare nature of ethnic jewellery is highly cherished by many.

Eclectic, funky and earthen are some of theadjectives that can be used for describing tribal jewellery. Moreover as many of the indigenous tribes were relatively impoverished, the choice of raw materials is usually humble and limited toclaws, ivory, shells, wood, etc. It is also known that royal dynasties of ancient India used the services of ingenious craftsmen for the purpose of crafting exquisite pieces of Jewellery, which have in fact become priceless over time.

Characteristics of India’s Tribal Jewellery

Tribal Jewellery communicates a lot regarding the status of the individual who wears it since these represent the socio-cultural traditions of those tribal groups. Tribal Jewellery integrates materials available in nature like leaves, berries, claws, feathers, leather, flowers, and others to create majestic pieces of art, which are delightfully wearable. There are few tribes of certain regionswho are scantily clothed, yet they adorn ample Jewellery on their bodies.

Grass, cane, and natural beads makes the ornaments created by tribes outstanding among the rest. Even to this day, many tribes in India adorn traditional ornaments created using copper, glass, peacock featherssilver, wood, and also wild flowers. Some of the nomadic groups adorncolorfulornaments. These are embossed with coins, beads, shells, and metallic mesh making them quite distinguishable.

These are varieties available like Banjara Jewellery and even Rajasthani silverware, wherein the jewels are decorated with colorful beads and tinkling silver bells. Red coral beads and thin glass fluted stems are used by few tribes for making ornate necklaces, bracelets,earrings, trinkets and belts along withother aesthetic looking Jewellery. There are few other tribes that use metals like silver, gold, brass and aluminum for creating beautiful braids, ear piercings and nose piercings. Even tattoo Jewellery is an attractive form, created by some tribal groups.

Current Trends in Tribal Jewellery

In an era where old is becoming more fashionable, Jewellery inspired by tribes is the hottest trend everywhere these days, in the world of fashion. The tribal Jewellery is known for its vivid colors, unique geometric designs and unconventional look which appeals to buyers and collectors. They are affordable on the pocket and considered a big hit with the fashionistas.The increasing popularity of Tribal ornaments have made them wardrobe staples these days. Their unique look has even made them a part of hip-hop culture while others accord heritage value to it.