One of India's most culturally diverse states, Assam is known for its exquisite traditional jewellery designs. Assam traditional jewellery is one of the prides of India’s rich cultural heritage. The state is rich in art, music, dance, cuisines and ornaments for both decorations of you and your house. During festivals, one can find a variety of Assam traditional jewellery being the centre of attraction at every nook and corner. This article will discuss the variety of designs and types of traditional Assamese jewellery and how they are incorporated into today's designs. So let us get straight into it...
History of Assam Traditional Jewellery
Travelling through centuries and kingdoms, the cultural history of Assam and its traditional jewellery definitely display a mix of generations of art and craft. The jewellery designs mostly comprise the royal metal of gold and silver, with all types of techniques from filigree to granulation used in traditional Assam jewellery. Other traditional materials include precious and semi-precious stones like rubies, emeralds, diamonds etc. A range of ancient jewellery articles like seeds, beads, bamboo and canes etc., sets their close connection with nature as one of the unique features of the state. Traditional Assam jewellery is colourful, made in vibrant and cheerful designs inspired by the flora and fauna of the state.
Types of Assam Traditional Jewellery
The various types of traditional jewellery are worn throughout the state with great pride and happiness. The designs are made to make someone look pretty and be ornamented just like their deity goddess Durga. Let us take a look at different types of Assam traditional jewellery.
Traditional Necklaces and Designs
The first types of traditional jewellery are the different types of necklaces like Dholbiri, Jonbiri and Keru. Dholbiri necklaces are the traditional bridal necklaces of the region. Made in gold and silver decorated with nature-inspired big and elaborate motifs. Jonbiri necklaces are other traditional types of necklaces which feature gold or silver beads or chains. Made in enamel work and decorated with gemstones these necklaces are stunning, to say the least.
While another necklace-type called Keru is also made in gold and silver beaded chains woven into filigree work with a pendant in the centre. These are often worn during festivals and important occasions.
Traditional Earrings and Designs
Other types of traditional Assam jewellery are traditional earring designs. Some of the most popular types of earrings are Dugdugi, Kanphool and Thuriya.
Dugdugis are bell-shaped with jingling sounds often worn during weddings and traditional events. Kanphool is the other traditional jewellery design, as its name is floral in design made in gold or silver. The traditional earring design captures the essence of blooming flowers, the perfect accessory for a bride.
The other type of traditional Assam earrings is the Thuriya earrings, which are the traditional hoops of Assam. They are made of gold and silver with flower and geometric motifs, worn with both formal and casual wear.
Traditional Bracelets and Bangles
Among other traditional jewellery are bracelets and bangles like bana, thuriya and senpahi. The Bana bracelet is made up of gold and silver in broad and elaborate designs. They are made with exquisite craftsmanship with filigree work and worn as statement pieces on occasion.
Jonbiri bracelets are chains of gold and silver woven into a bracelet, they are the best to be worn as everyday wear. Senpahi bracelets are silver bracelets decorated with geometric motifs. Worn by both men and women to ward off evil.
Unique Head Ornaments
The last of the types of traditional Assamese jewellery is the head ornaments like Bor poni, Kekara and Jethi potiya. All of these ornaments are of great importance to the Assamese culture and women. Bor poni made in gold or silver are designed with floral, leaves and nature-inspired motifs. They are worn across the head during weddings and traditional events.
Kekara is worn at the side of the head above the ear and is a headpiece that is unique to the state of Assam. Made in filigree work and decorated with gemstones and enamel accents, they are alluring.
These are some of the types of traditional Assamese jewellery that are worn and made today.
The beauty of the flora and fauna and the landscape is well-incorporated into the traditional jewellery designs of Assam. Assam’s culture and people both are well aware of the geographical as well as the cultural heritage of the place which can be seen in the way that they prefer wearing their own traditional clothes and jewellery during festivals and important occasions. Many of these designs have inspired modern jewellery designs and will continue to do so in the coming years. The fusion of modern techniques with traditional art and craft makes it even more beautiful and alluring.
Explore our jewellery collection which has the perfect fusion of traditions with modern-day styles and designs.
