Hearing early pre-Islam, the women of the Bonda tribe, an ancient and culturally unique tribal community in the remote hilly part of Malkangiri district, Odisha, India, the Limbelu available traditionally pierces the ears of these women. Bonda women are known to adorn themselves very beautifully and have a high-philosophical commitment to the preservation of their indigenous life. Limbelu is one of the several types of ornaments commonly worn by the women. It is a small and dumbbell-shaped ear stud with both ends rounded and flat on either side. Because of its uncomplicated yet distinctive structure, it can be held firmly in place through stretched earlobes which most Bonda women would have. It is not only a piece of jewellery, but it is also considered a marker of culture, identity, tradition, and belonging to a social group.
The item of jewellery has been made from locally available metal materials reflecting the Bonda tribe's association with nature, showing resourcefulness and ingenuity in making ornaments and beginner tools. The aesthetic of the tribe lies in the fact that this ear ornament is simple yet functional whose meaning is symbolic. The Limbelu is an ear ornament that most people use daily as a complement to their apparel. It again finds importance in ceremonial occasions, where it becomes a vital part of the traditional dress of Bonda women. Such cultural artifacts are necessary to achieve a better understanding of the material culture of one of India's most resilient tribal communities