One of the biggest and most artistically rich tribes of India, the Santhals have always been rooted in nature-based traditions. They produce jewellery that carries the weight of these cultural values, wherein the traditional nose stud stands for feminine beauty, social identity, and heritage. The profile of this charm depicts flowers in metal and is carved delicately after the beautiful forms of nature. In a floral composite, a small red stone is set into it-signifying contrast, vibrance, and symbolic significance. In the tribal view, red is always for life force, energy, and shield/safety.
The floral patterns are symbolic of fertility, beauty, and harmony with nature, as often seen in Santhal arts and crafts. Simple bent wire fittings enable a snug fit of the phenotypical ornament placed flat against the nose in relation to the face of the wearer, thus allowing for wear amid daily chores and ceremonial dancing. Simple exercise is very elegant. These ornaments are worn by Santhal women during festivals, weddings, and important community gatherings and are presented to women on their coming-of-age ceremony or marriage. Thus, the nose stud is not just an ornament; it acts as a generational marker of identification. This speaks to the spirit and aesthetic of the Santhal tradition.