These elegant one-of-a-kind handmade fairtrade necklaces were made by the semi-nomadic Narikuravar tribal community in Southern India.
Each single-strand beaded necklace is meticulously handmade using small round light blue glass beads and copper wire and is truly one-of-a-kind. They can be worn solo or layered with other necklaces in the same or different colours and styles.
The Narikuravar community is a tribal semi-nomadic indigenous group living in south India. The name “Narikurava” means "jackal people" in Tamil. They are named for their adeptness in hunting, even though they are no longer allowed to pursue their livelihood in local forests. These days, you’ll find people from the Narikuravar community selling small items, including these handmade beaded necklaces, at bus stations and busy markets across the Indian state of Tamil Nadu. The Narikuravar tribe is believed to have migrated to Southern India from Northern India country around half a millennium ago. Their language, 'Vagriboli', is an Indo-Aryan mix of Marathi, Telugu, and Tamil that has no script - a normal tendency for nomadic or semi-nomadic communities.
This indigenous group of people has faced discrimination against them since ancient times, primarily because of their nomadic lifestyle and consumption of animals, considered taboo by Hindus and upper-caste communities within India. The gypsy communities of India sit at the absolute bottom of society, even below the caste system. Poverty, illiteracy, diseases and discrimination are the major issues that confront the Narikuravars. Girls within the community are often married off directly after they menstruate and can become mothers as early as 14 years old.
By purchasing this item, you are helping to empower and provide ongoing employment income for the women who make these beautiful handmade products.