Catalogue on Ethnic Jewellery

Abstract

The Catalogue on Ethnic Jewellery is in the form of a coffee book. It documents the traditional jewellery of the different tribes of Assam which are displayed in the jewellery section of the AIRTSC Ethnographic Museum. The artistry and workmanship of the ornaments are based on original and creative designs which reflect the culture and heritage of different tribes and communities. There are forty six plates with coloured photographs of exquisite jewellery. These consist of finger rings, ear pegs, leg rings, elbow rings, necklaces, bracelets, bangles, wristlet, anklets, armlets, hairpins, head gear, belt, etc. The jewellery pieces are handmade and indigenously designed and crafted. Each piece is unique and distinctive. The unique ornaments reflect the culture of a particular tribe. Made of different materials like gold, silver, iron, brass, coins, ivory, precious and semi precious stones, beads, ambers, coral, cowries, animal teeth, wood, seed, bird beak, yarns, bamboo, feathers, the ornaments are of different shapes and size. Some of the neckpieces pictured in the catalogue are the Hajongs Sukyasara, Karbis Lek-Hiki ,Lek-Penkhara, Lek-Waikong, Hmars Thlina, Thrival, Dimasa Kacharis Jongsam, Chandrawal, Rangbarsa, Phoal, Tiwas Shaplo, Sikilo, Lo, Tamangs Bombola Prenga, Biru, Singphos Deo-Moni, Gumphro, Rabhas Hancha, Garos Khakam, Rigitog, Khonar, Jeme Nagas Talatau, Tala-Kang, Kukis Palnem, and Misings Dogne, Tadok. The armlets of different tribes are named as Chau Chauri, Hah, Kata baju, Npak-Pai, Benpen. Nkiti is an elbow ring of the Jeme Nagas. The wristlet , Bangles and bracelets shown are Bui-Bakta, Asan Chankhas, Kharu. There are head gears of the Garo called as Kenchong-Sil and of the Thadou Kukis named as Skunchei. The ear pegs of the Singphos Sairu, and Thuria of the Sonowal Kacharis, besides belts from the Garo tribe called as Senki and Sukya Sora are also documented. The book is expected to serve as a valuable handbook for ethnic jewellers, students, researchers and the general public.