Submitted by Nitish Kumar on
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The Santal are the few and most populous examples of indigenous community sources mainly within Jharkhand, India. The community is characterized by its rich material culture and adorned ornamentation traditions. Personal adornments include among others the metal rings which exhibit varying craftsmanship and cultural symbolism. These metal rings are indeed made with an artistic touch. Each of the four rings is perfectly round, wholly made of sturdy metal, and has its surface pattern of plaited (braided) designs etched or molded onto it. The plaited patterns enhance their beauty aesthetically, but they also symbolize the deep connection of this community to nature and woven crafts which are part of Santal existence. Such rings in Santal society are mostly worn when one attends major festivals or functions, such as marriages or ceremonies. They are a mark of identity as well as caste or class and pride in having them as part of metal jewellery. Such ornaments also carry a religious theme and may be passed down from generation to generation as family heirlooms crossing the memory lane of ancestors and skills through generations.
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Plaited Metal Rings
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Plaited Metal Rings
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Intricately Designed Metal Rings
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The Santal are the few and most populous examples of indigenous community sources mainly within Jharkhand, India. The community is characterized by its rich material culture and adorned ornamentation traditions. Personal adornments include among others the metal rings which exhibit varying craftsmanship and cultural symbolism. These metal rings are indeed made with an artistic touch. Each of the four rings is perfectly round, wholly made of sturdy metal, and has its surface pattern of plaited (braided) designs etched or molded onto it. The plaited patterns enhance their beauty aesthetically, but they also symbolize the deep connection of this community to nature and woven crafts which are part of Santal existence. Such rings in Santal society are mostly worn when one attends major festivals or functions, such as marriages or ceremonies. They are a mark of identity as well as caste or class and pride in having them as part of metal jewellery. Such ornaments also carry a religious theme and may be passed down from generation to generation as family heirlooms crossing the memory lane of ancestors and skills through generations.

Jewellery by the Santals has been traditionally known to be handcrafted and vibrant in its natural motifs. The use of metals shows further flexibility and interaction with their surroundings because they had to depend on available local resources for making decoration and functional items. In short, these rings are much more than ornamental accessories; they represent the living heritage of Santal, artistic excellence, and cultural continuity.
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