Arunachal Pradesh is a state in the northeastern part of India. Arunachal Pradesh means "The land of the Rising Sun", as it is located in the easternmost part of India. It is a land of diverse and rich culture and beliefs as well.
Arunachal Pradesh is well known for its hand crafted tools, equipment and ornaments. But apart from the other important items, the tribes of Arunachal Pradesh are famous for their exquisite jewelry made from their primary materials. They embellish these trinkets with other materials such as colourful beads, wild seeds, feathers of birds, green wings of
beetles, brass, bones, ivory, silver and gold. The tribal jewelry of Arunachal Pradesh is famous in India as well as in other countries and regions of the world.
Tribal women create necklaces, headbands, bracelets, belts and other jewelry not just as an embellishment for their bodies, but also as a sign of prestige. Tribal women also believe that jewelry enhances their womanhood; so they adorn themselves with necklaces and headbands. Tribal Jewelry is a common sight in Arunachal Pradesh.
One important type is glass beads, which are very important in this type of jewellery. The tribals of this state are extremely fond of glass beads. These are seen everywhere and the process of making it can be described as coloured beads are strung together and take the form of a necklace, which are usually worn in neck.
Jewelry is also a form of unique distinguishing mark of each tribe. The Wancho tribal group creates earrings made out of bamboo, cane, glass beads, seeds, and reed. The
Karka Gallong tribal group uses heavy iron rings, coiled several times, that embellish metal coin necklaces and leather waistbands with stones. The Apatani tribe is the only group that forges iron bracelets made by the blacksmiths.
Nishi tribesmen wear an interesting headdress - a massive knot of hair rolled into a bun over their forehead. They decorate their headdress with feathers of the great hornbill bird, Arunachal Pradesh`s signature bird.
People may be attracted to and dependent on lavish destinations, modern atmospheres, and places depicting technological advancements but Arunachal Pradesh shows that long-standing tradition and simplicity are all they need to live a full life. The people of Arunachal Pradesh make use of their available natural resources for their crafts and daily needs. Their tradition of tribal jewellery has endured hundreds of years and, without a doubt, will endure many years to come as well.
