Explore the Traditional Ornaments of Northeast India
Northeast India is a treasure trove of traditional jewellery, reflecting the rich culture, heritage, and identity of its many tribes and communities.
Northeast India is a treasure trove of traditional jewellery, reflecting the rich culture, heritage, and identity of its many tribes and communities.
Junbiri is a traditional necklace worn by the Assamese community of Assam. The word Jun means moon, and Biri implies design. As the name suggests, Junbiri is shaped like a crescent moon. This beautiful jewellery is usually made of copper or silver that is then plated with kesa xun (Gold).
Khumani Khera is a traditional ornament worn by the Bodo tribe of Assam. The upper part of the earring features a lotus-shaped carving, encircled by a frame from which three bell-shaped flower plates hang. The top of the circular frame has a hook that is fastened through the pierced hole in the earlobe when worn.
The Boar Tusk Necklace is a famous traditional ornament of the Konyak Naga tribe from Nagaland. It is made from real boar tusks, carefully polished and sometimes adorned with beads and metal pieces. In the Konyak culture, the boar tusk necklace symbolises bravery and social status.
Rigitok is a traditional ornament worn by both men and women of the Garo tribe in Meghalaya. It is crafted from coral beads and typically features ten neat rows, creating a striking and colourful design that reflects the tribe’s rich cultural heritage.
Lyak is a traditional necklace and an important piece of jewellery for Lepcha women. It is crafted with turquoise and coral beads, along with gold pendants featuring intricate Thangka designs, reflecting the community’s rich cultural heritage.
Kayko is a traditional necklace worn by women of the Monpa tribe. It is made of red coral stones threaded with onyx (gemstones), pearls, and turquoise, creating a vibrant and elegant design.
Yaping Hullo are traditional nose plugs worn by women of the Apatani tribe in Arunachal Pradesh. They are made from wood found in the forests and are carefully cleaned and prepared before use to ensure they do not cause infections.
Tsükhrü is a traditional yellow necklace originally made from the fruit of the Tsükhrü plant. The plant bears fruit only in February, which is why the necklace is closely associated with the Sekrenyi festival. As the plant grows only during the Sekrenyi season and is now rare, yellow beads have replaced the original Tsükhrü fruit in modern versions of the necklace.