Handcrafted Tribal Jewellery from across India on display at CCI store in Chennai

At the ongoing tribal jewellery exhibition organised by the Crafts Council of India, Chennai, contemporary design finds meaningful expression through the traditions of India’s tribal communities.

The exhibition presents a collection of handcrafted jewellery that draws from indigenous cultures across the country , bringing together earthy yet vibrant creations made from natural materials such as beads, textiles, shells, wood and metal.

Jewellery on display and for sale includes large pendants, long necklaces, beadwork malas, cloth-based ornaments, bracelets and jhumkas. Nazari Arts from New Delhi, Peno India from Mumbai, Sonam Dorjee from Himachal Pradesh, Studio Vam from Indore and Chennai-based Zola India are among the participating brands.

Creation by Studio Vam
| Photo Credit:
Special Arrangement

Drawing inspiration from regions beyond India’s borders as well, Seyfullah Nazarogulu, a third-generation entrepreneur, presents vintage tribal jewellery under his brand Nazari Arts. His collections are influenced by select tribal regions of Afghanistan, the Kutch region of Gujarat and the Hazara tribes of Kashmir. The display features statement necklaces, earrings, bracelets, foot kadas, hip belts and even décor pieces. Emphasising authenticity, Seyfullah notes that the brand’s focus remains on classic, vintage designs that are largely handcrafted.

Chennai-based designer Gina Joseph’s brand Zola India, has Dokra jewellery, made from the ancient metal casting tradition originating in Odisha. Having worked extensively with tribal crafts, from the Toda community of the Nilgiris to Kerala mural artists, Andhra Pradesh’s leather puppetry artisans and Dogra art, Gina presents a collection of necklaces, anklets and bangles at the exhibition.

Textiles play a central role in the work of Dr Shriram Pawar and Vijaya Pawar, who have been promoting Indus Valley Civilisation art and reviving the legacy of Gormati (Banjara) embroidery since 2019 under their brand, Peno. Their jewellery incorporates textiles in colours traditionally associated with the Gormati tribe; yellow, red and blue paired with motifs drawn from the Indus Valley Civilisation. The collection combines textile, embroidery and metal in their collection of long necklaces, chokers, bangles and earrings

Wearable art by Peno
| Photo Credit:
Special Arrangement

From the hills of Himachal Pradesh, Sonam Dorjee Negi presents jewellery inspired by the tribes of the Kinnaur district. Working closely with the community and drawing from Kinnauri culture, heritage, traditional crafts and lifestyle, he creates tribal-inspired jewellery in bronze. His collection includes long, elaborate necklaces, anklets, earrings and accessories that reflect the distinctive identity of the region.

Indore-based designer Mrunmayee Namjoshi’s brand Studio Vam collaborates with ajrakh block printers, brass metalsmiths, hand embroiderers and bead weavers from Bhuj and Kutch. Each piece is partially crafted at a craft cluster and later assembled at the studio’s workshop, resulting in heirloom-quality jewellery that combines Ajrakh textiles with brass embellishments.

Together, these collections form a compelling showcase of how tribal aesthetics, age-old techniques and regional identities continue to inspire contemporary jewellery, offering visitors stories shaped by craft, culture and community.

@Kamala, the craft store, on till January 20, 10 am to 7 pm. For details, call: 9840700445.