The Lambadi (Banjara) tribe is a well-known jewelry-making tribe mostly found in the states of India such as Telangana, Andhra Pradesh, Maharashtra, and Karnataka. Among the specialties in jewelry making are the Lambadi bangles: these are ornamentation that is made with excellent aluminum sets cast with raised edges and usually have some decorations such as geometric or floral patterns.
Worn only by Lambadi women during such occasions as traditional attire, the bangles assume significance in the context of age-old traditions and even meanings within which they serve in ritual. The designs engraved on the bangles testify to the artistic endeavor of the tribe, wherein floral motifs symbolize nature considerations and wealth, while geometrical designs exhibit an artist's precision and workmanship. Bangles are often stacked, complementing other traditional jewelry like necklaces, anklets and girdles.
Lambadi women wore huge silver or brass bangles in the earlier days but with time, aluminum and to some extent plastic have been used mostly because of their economy and durability. Usually these bangles become part of festivities or marriage and cultural events demonstrating both the identity of the community as well as physical beauty. Lambadi bangle is now preserved in many institutions such as the National Museum, New Delhi, and bears testimony for its legacy and cultural heritage