The collection revels in unconventionality and unravels an indigenous treasure trove, they also make a fashion statement. And every piece of work narrates an interesting story.
“The brand goes by the name Adi Kriti that translates as ‘ornaments are a work of art.’ It is a high-fashion gold jewellery brand inspired by the tribal culture of India and this range reflects the artistic skills of the tribals from the Northeast of India,” says in-house designer Arpita Saha.
Crafted in 22 carat gold, the ornaments go beyond the aesthetic and narrate an untold tale.
“Adi-Kriti underlines the fact that fashion can play a pivotal role in the preservation of our culture and craft. The designs have been picked up from tribal villages like Adi and Mishmi around Kaziranga. Our efforts include two years of research followed by fact-finding recce across tribal India, especially Nagaland, Arunachal Pradesh and Mizoram. Next we plan to unveil collections inspired by the tribal culture of Orissa, Jharkhand, Chhattisgarh and other parts of India as well as Africa and elsewhere in the tribal world,” she informs.
While in their original form, the tribal jewelleries are made of animal bones, claws and hair, flowers, carnelian, rock crystal, shells, beads and blue jay feathers, Adi Kriti uses their designs mostly on gold and occasionally uses other metals and gems too. “A neck piece named Kaziranga has the face of a rhinoceros in the centre,
another called Naga Nuptial resembles an elephant’s tusk,” adds the designer.