Assam Jewellery - Gold dust on Assam River banks

'Gold dust on river banks'...that's interesting. Please tell us more about it. How's that possible?

Happy posting!

Sonia

 

Hi Sonia, it is indeed one of the amazing facts that 'gold dust was abundantly found in the sands of different rivers of Assam'

Gold washing and manufacture of Jewellery were two important ancient industries in <st1:country-region w:st="on"><st1lace w:st="on">Assam</st1lace></st1:country-region> & it is true that gold dust was abundantly found in the sands of different rivers of the state. References to gold in <st1lace w:st="on"><st1:country-region w:st="on">Assam</st1:country-region></st1lace> in the early period are found in the writings of the classical writers and the earliest reference is found in the ARTHASASTRA .

During the rule of the Ahom Kings, gold washing was done on an elaborate scale and the state derived considerable income from the yearly tax levied on Gold washing. Gold was locally available, flowing down several Himalayan rivers, of which Subansiri is the most important. In fact, a particular tribe of people, the Sonowal Kacharis were engaged only for gold-washing in these rivers.

 

Hi Mayuri, Thanks for this interesting piece of news. I'm really fascinated about this new fact I've read here ' Gold dust on river banks' and god washing. I've read in another thread about the unique Assamese jewellery. Looking forward to some information on this. I'm glad I joined IL, would have never got a chance to know so much about every corner of our country.


Sabina

 

Most welcome Sabina. You really need to see Assamese jewellery, which are so distinct and unique. And most importantly, the uniqueness is because they are not influenced by modernization and people here still prefer and take pride in wearing traditional jewelleries for weddings and festivals.

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Anyone here from Assam, who belong to Jorhat...its the hub of jewellery making.

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Could anyone please post a pic of kopo phool and loka-paro ? Also are both of thsee always made with gold or is it available on silver with gold plating.

 

Loka- paro is an earring embellished with twin birds, placed one after the other. This may be in gold, ruby, mina, or even plain enamel coating. While Kopo Phool is a special type of earring, resembling the orchid ‘kopou phool’.

For all who are not familiar with 'Kopou Phool' - the orchid of Assam, here's a picture of it. The blooming of Kopou Phool marks the beginning of spring season and Bohaag Bihu. Girls adorn the orchid in their hair as they make a bun for the Bihu dance. It symbolically adds fragnance to the 'season of romance' - Bohaag.

 

Mayuri:

The orchids are simply amazing. I'm sure the jewellery styled after them are as unique and beautiful. Thank you for sharing it here!

Gunjana:

That's a lovely piece of jewellery. Wish it was available outside Assam (I'm sure someone enterprising has already showcased it in an exhibition somewhere!) What are the other traditional jewellery in Assam? Could you post pictures if possible? It would be interesting to know about it. Thanks.

Sindhu

 

A thread on jewellery is a delight for every woman, irrespective of where they belong.

Assamese jewellery is very unique with its ethnic look; and as you all know rejuvenating the past is the new trend in Indian fashion today - be it apparels or jewellery. I'd like to share with you all some fascinating facts about Assamese jewellery and will be happy if some of our Assamese friends can upload some pictures of those.....

Kopo phool - One of the most interesting piece of Assamese jewellery. It is an earring that looks like an orchid known by the same name as referred in an earlier post by MayuriBordoloi . It looks like two small shoes lynching jointly and attached to a floral segment on top which is further connected to a chain.

Jethi poti is a wide band of cloth which is placed as row of small medallions with a central pendant.

Gaam kharu is a large bangle with a clasp made in silver with gold polish. (See attached pic)

Bana or Jonberi is a crescent-shaped overhanging packed with lac for a cushioned effect. The frontage is studded with rubies whereas the back always has enameling.

Lokaparo is a popular ear ring which has twin birds placed back to back in gold , mina , ruby or even sometimes enamel coating.