The jewellery that is found in this state is really exquisite in style. One of the important types is tulunad. This is actually a cast brass two-part belt. It has cobra heads with long drawn out hoods in its top edged and has a cobra clutch at front of it as well. The tribal jewelry of Karnataka has some connection with religious acts. There are some examples, which can be mentioned to describe the religious aspects. The Shiva Lingayat devotees often wear a cast-brass finger ring, which usually depicts god Shiva`s vehicle, the bull nandini. Silver lingam caskets or ayigalu shaped in the form of an egg is worn by female Lingayat Virashiva or laypersons.
Tribal jewellery in different tribes carries different meaning. The bedar tribe community of the state of Karnataka also has its own style while talking about jewellery. Both men and
women of the community are very fond of jewellery that is made of gold and silver. As said earlier they also have some conventional jewellery. Some of the significant items of ornaments are named as follows: gold and silver bracelets are usually known as khade, waist girdles are known as uddurs while gold earrings are known as muruva. The women of this tribal folk love jewelries as they wear nose rings, gold necklace, etc. there is a special kind of jewelry named Dhora. This is usually used in head looks like a hoofed one. This is made of silver.
Another important tribe is Konda Kapus tribe that is also unique in its style regarding jewellery and all. They do not use gold jewellery as such. They like to use silver as well as copper ornaments. The coins take an important part in making their necklaces. They usually use 25 paise and 50 paise respectively to make such necklaces. Some of the important types of necklaces are as follows:
Karnataka tribal necklace: This type of necklaces is very simple in look. These are the specialty of Karnataka tribes. The basic structure of these can be described as crescent shaped metal centerpiece is adorned with tribal patterns. Various coins hang from this and each of these is bedecked with jangling bells.
Unique tribal piece: This is a truly amazing piece of tribal jewellery which is famous everywhere. Tribal women wear this with full pride. This necklace has a beautiful look with a metal centerpiece adorned with tribal patters. Old Indian coins are usually hanged from this chain, which looks awesome. This necklace has an ethnic look in its structure that attracts lot of buyers.
