Uttar Pradesh Tribal and Folk Art Culture Institute is preserving the traditional jewelery and utensils of Tharu, Buxa, Gond and other tribes of the state. Tribal art is getting a new identity and platform through exhibitions.
Lucknow. Uttar Pradesh Tribal and Folk Art Culture Institute is playing an active role in preserving and promoting the rich tribal cultural heritage of the state. The institute is making continuous efforts for the preservation, promotion and propagation of traditional jewelery and rare utensils of the tribes. This initiative is an important step towards implementing Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath’s vision of inclusive development.
More than 500 pieces of jewelery and utensils made in the traditional manner of various tribes of the state are being conserved by the institute. Besides, the new generation is also getting an opportunity to connect with their cultural heritage through exhibitions.
Traditional jewelery is the identity of tribal tradition and art skills
The jewelery of the Tharu, Buxa, Gond and Baiga tribes of Uttar Pradesh is not just a means of decoration, but it is a symbol of their cultural identity and traditions. The Institute of Tribal and Folk Art Culture is keeping the identity of these tribes alive by preserving their traditional ornaments.
According to Atul Dwivedi, director of the institute, these jewelery are completely handmade and tribal craftsmen prepare them with age-old knowledge and techniques. Natural materials like gimlet or gota silver, old Indian coins, beads, copper, brass, wood, bone and shells are used in this jewellery.
The manufacturing process involves heating the metal in a furnace into wires and sheets, then shaping them by hand. Jewelery like hansli, anklets, girdle, bangles, earrings, necklaces, rings, armlets and mangalsutra are an important part of tribal life. Due to the efforts of the institute, not only are these traditional jewelery being preserved, but they are also being made popular among the youth by combining them with modern designs. Today the young generation is wearing this jewelery with traditional, ethnic and western attire also.
Conservation of traditional utensils of Tharu, Buxa and Agaria tribes
The work of the institute is not limited to jewelery only. It is also active in the conservation of traditional brass, copper and pottery of the Tharu, Buxa, Agaria, Kharwar and Sonbhadra region tribes. The metal vessels, pottery and ‘tumbi’ made of wild gourd of these tribes still reflect their traditional lifestyle. The Agaria tribe has been adept in metal crafts since ancient times, while the Tharu tribe uses earthen pots to make drinks from rice. Along with preserving these utensils, the institute also organizes exhibitions regularly, so that these traditional arts can get recognition.
Tribal art is getting recognition on national and international platforms
Uttar Pradesh Tribal and Folk Art Culture Institute is providing a platform to tribal artisans at national and international level through exhibitions organized from time to time. By honoring tribal artists in events like Uttar Pradesh Day-2026 and Tribal Participation Mahotsav, their art and pride have been given new heights.