The Language of Ornaments: An Anthropological Insight Into the Ethnic Ornaments of the Karbis of Assam, India

North Eastern region of India enjoys a place of pride in the whole of the country for its immensely rich assembly of tribal cultures. Among the prominent tribes of the region are the Karbis who possess unique traditions and cultures distinct from the other tribes. The Karbis are fond of ornaments and since the ancient day they have been using natural objects as ornaments, silver ornaments are used extensively by them. Preparation of different kinds of ornaments occupies an important part of material culture of the Karbis. Ornaments with distinctive colour, motifs, and designs not only reflect the cultural identity of the Karbis but are also indicative of the possession of rich cultural heritage and traditional knowledge. In this present endeavour, an attempt has been made to delineate the ethnic ornaments of the Karbis of Assam, India, along with the motifs of the designs in it which stands as one of the integral aspects of their cultural heritage.