Indian Tribal Art

Dhokra art old ethnic tribal brass traditional ankle bracelet from India, repurposed as ashtrays ,catchall, or vide poche. Handcrafted of a hollow band of heavy brass decorated with chevron repoussé banding and lost wax granulation. The brass inner plate was later added to use the bracelet as a small ashtray. The closure was a push pin mechanism that was closed. India, circa 1920s. Measure: 7"5 D x 2" H. "Dhokra is an ancient folk art tradition prevalent in India in the eastern states of West Bengal, Odisha, Jharkhand and Chhattisgarh. Dhokra craft objects are made through the process of non-ferrous metal casting using the lost-wax casting technique, which is one of the earliest and most advanced methods of metal casting known to human civilization. Its roots can be traced back 4500 years to the ancient city of Mohenjodaro in the Indus Valley Civilization. The name Dokra or Dhokra was used to indicate a group of craftsmen of nomadic type from the Dhokra Damar tribe, scattered over the regions of Bengal, Orisa and Madhya Pradash, whose wares were identified by their beautifully shaped and decorated metal products. The enchanting Dhokra art objects have motifs inspired by indigenous folk...

Traditional torque or Hansuli silvered necklace choker from Lambadi or Banjara and Sugali People, Andhra Pradesh, India.t India, circa 1940. Fabulous vi...

Antique Indian Embroidered Kantha Cloth Indian kantha cloths originally developed as a way in which old sari cloth could be recycled and put to use. They’re usually composed of 3-4 ...

Anglo Indian hardwood campaign or dowry chest. This has brass straps, handles and large hinges on the interior. The lock has the original key. The chest is in good condition. It show...

Six early 20th century hair detanglers from Kerala and South Karnataka, India. An unusual group of six hair detanglers found exclusively in Southern India. The carved wooden example...

Man’s Ceremonial Headdress Naga people, Northeast India Probably 19th century Cane, yellow orchard fiber, dyed goat hair plume A handwritten...

Hand-carved wooden Indian tribal storage chest box with hand-wrought iron hinges and straps, and handle. Early 20th century, Northern India.

Coming from the area of influence of the Naga people, this stunning piece is an extraordinary example of their cultural views. The Nagas are a conglomeration of different tribes nati...

Late 19th to early 20th century tribal wood paduka sandals, India A sculptural pair of Indian paduka (khadau chappals) sandals with a simple scale pattern and nice encrusted patin...

Nagaland, North-east India, early 20th century Probably made from dogteeth.

Early 20th Century Brass & Iron Jeweler's Torch, Karnataka, South India Experience the history and craftsmanship of South India with this early 20th Century brass & iron jeweler's t...

This is an antique ghee serving jug. An Indian, hardwood tribal libation cup or decorative candle nozzle, dating to the mid Victorian period, circa 1860. Fascinatingly naive treen...

This vibrant vintage Indian hand-embroidered textile draws inspiration from Persian Suzanis, reinterpreted through a distinctly South Asian lens. A grid of large, bold floral medalli...

This is an antique hand carved pouring dish. An Indian, hardwood serving pot, dating to the early Victorian period, circa 1850. Eye-catching tribal appeal to the naive carved fini...

This seemingly simple wooden vase is a design object of infinite beauty and elegance that can be placed in either an antique or a modern or contemporary setting. They are Indian arte...

This strikingly coloured Phulkari is from Punjab, India. It was hand-crafted from silk and cotton, with silk being used for the embroidery. Phulkari’s are a form of wedding shawl and...

This strikingly coloured Phulkari is from Punjab, India. It was hand-crafted from silk and cotton, with silk being used for the embroidery. Phulkari’s are a form of wedding shawl and...

A 10-strand necklace hand-crafted from red-orange Naga beads from the early 20th century and strung with natural fibers. Necklaces such as these were a stat...

A South Indian (Kerala) wooden boat prow from the mid-20th century. This hand carved boat prow from Kerala is adorn with pierced spiral-carved volute, suppor...

This strikingly coloured Phulkari is from Punjab, India. It was hand-crafted from silk and cotton, with silk being used for the embroidery. Phulkari’s are a form of wedding shawl and...

Nagaland, North-east India, early 20th century Made of old glass beads with a bronze adornment in the shape of a double fish tail. Provenance: - Collection Rinck Hollnberger, Munic...

A South Indian (Kerala) wooden boat prow from the mid-20th century. This exquisite example of a hand-carved boat prow from Kerala features a steeply pointe...

Naga Konyak, North-India, early 20th century The Konyaks, the largest of the Naga ethnic groups, reside primarily in the districts of Tirap, Longding, and Changlang in Arunachal Pra...

Ao tribe, Nagaland, Eastern India, Early 20th century Made from red glass paste beads and bronze trumpets and bells. The Ao tribe primarily inhabits the Mokokchung district of Naga...

Nagaland, North-east India, early 20th century A necklace comprised of glass beads, two dog tooth and a brass face pendant. The four headed pendant symbolises decapitated head-troph...

Bonda people, Orissa, early 20th century The Bonda people are an indigenous tribal group predominantly found in the hilly areas of Malkangiri district in Odisha (Orissa), India. Recognized as one of the oldest and most traditional tribes in the country, they are often regarded as part of the "Adivasi," or the original inhabitants of the region. Bonda women are renowned for their distinctive traditional attire and adornments. They wear a minimal garment called nala around their waist and embellish themselves with heavy jewelry crafted from beads, metal, and coins. Their hair is typically styled into a bun and covered with a beaded headpiece...

Bonda people, Orissa, early 20th century The Bonda people are an indigenous tribal group predominantly found in the hilly areas of Malkangiri district in Odisha (Orissa), India. Recognized as one of the oldest and most traditional tribes in the country, they are often regarded as part of the "Adivasi," or the original inhabitants of the region. Bonda women are renowned for their distinctive traditional attire and adornments. They wear a minimal garment called nala around their waist and embellish themselves with heavy jewelry crafted from beads, metal, and coins. Their hair is typically styled into a bun and covered with a beaded headpiece...

Bonda people, Orissa, early 20th century The Bonda people are an indigenous tribal group predominantly found in the hilly areas of Malkangiri district in Odisha (Orissa), India. Recognized as one of the oldest and most traditional tribes in the country, they are often regarded as part of the "Adivasi," or the original inhabitants of the region. Bonda women are renowned for their distinctive traditional attire and adornments. They wear a minimal garment called nala around their waist and embellish themselves with heavy jewelry crafted from beads, metal, and coins. Their hair is typically styled into a bun and covered with a beaded headpiece...