To outsiders, these may look like beautiful ornaments. But for the Bonda women, they are a way of life, a symbol of who they are.
Usungu
A traditional neck ring made from brass, aluminum, or thin iron rods. It’s shaped to fit closely around the neck and head, symbolizing strength, protection, and the wearer’s cultural identity and social status.
Sungarae (Sumarai)
These are brass or aluminum bangles worn from wrist to elbow, especially by married women. They represent fertility, prosperity, and community wellbeing. According to Bonda folklore, their harvests and fertility improved after women began wearing these bangles, making them deeply spiritual and culturally important.
Thinkodit, Surkoda, Jinb Jinglo
These are earrings worn in the upper, middle, and lower parts of the ear. Made mostly of aluminum, they come in various sizes and styles, including large bangle-like designs. Folklore says they protect against evil and illness, helping maintain balance between body and soul.
Turuba or Kurtop
Headbands made from date palm leaves, worn like a crown by married women to enhance their beauty.
Lubeidak
Beaded headbands worn on shaved heads as part of traditional dress.
Khagla and Mali
Khagla are thick aluminum neck rings worn tightly around the neck, believed to protect women from injuries and wild animals during forest work.
Mali are long bead necklaces that hang down to the navel, serving as upper body adornment since women traditionally wear only a ringa cloth around the waist. Together, Khagla and Mali reflect identity, protection, and deep-rooted traditions.
We were honored to attend a meeting organized by Sir Bhuwan Bhaskar to help register Bonda Beads Craft with the Handicraft Department. He took out the time and personally visited villages. His genuine demeanor and enthusiasm convinced 40 artists from remote villages to attend an interactive session in Jeypore, many attending such a gathering for the first time. The meeting concluded with a promise to conduct design training. Looking at the existing refined work (when we visited their village), I felt that with minor tweaks their jewelry will be equally sought after like Gujarat’s embroidery and beadwork.
To show our support and encourage them, we’ve brought some of their jewelry. If you’d like to support the artists by purchasing a piece, please reach out to us.
No Comments