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Auction Item Description
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This incredible ONE OF A KIND Tribal BRACELET (or ANKLET), from the BANJARA Tribe of Central India is great for BELLY DANCE, Tribal Dance, or wearing to that special Tribal Party or event!. HANDMADE in country, this ONE of a KIND item was created and worn, in country, in ceremony. Made from Coin Silver and Brass, Natural Stones, Cowrie Shells, beads, coins, and bells, it is sure to intrigue and entertain ::smile:: Since they are authentic, and have been worn, some have a substantial aged patina, adding to their authenticity and appearance. They generally appear old. They will fit on any Wrist or Ankle, as there is an adjustable loop that you pull to tighten after it is on.

The Banjara are a nomadic people, who 2300 years ago descended from Roma gypsies of Europe who migrated through the rugged mountains of Afghanistan and finally settled down in the deserts of Rajasthan in India. The colourful stream of the Banjaras began to travel down to the South in the 14th century. In the early 1800s, following the invasion by the armies of Aurangzeb, and thanks to the number of cattle they owned, the Banjaras worked for the Moghuls as commissariat carriers transporting provisions and arms, setting up camps on the outskirts of army encampments. When the Southern campaigns ended, the Banjaras forgot their desert homes in Rajasthan and settled down in the Deccan, the plateau of central peninsular India.

Today the Banjara lifestyle has naturally altered and the tribals have had to abandon their packs of animals and take to working as laborers on building and construction projects. Despite all this, their traditional customs, manners and ceremonies have undergone little change and their migratory instinct is still intact. They move wherever work is available, set up their temporary hamlets and build simple homes of mud and bamboo plaits. They keep very few domestic possessions and make do with earthen vessels, small quilts, bamboo and date mats and some rickety wooden articles. Brass and copper vessels are only recent additions and even these are very few in each family. The younger generation prefers to settle down to pucca (permanent) jobs in cities. Some are already plying rickshaws in Hyderabad while many have taken to other regular jobs.

The Banjara women, however, are holding steadfast to their ancient mode of dress which is perhaps the most colorful and elaborate of any tribal group in India. Undoubtedly, their dress and jewelry sets them apart from all others. Their full length skirt, is blazing red with borders embroidered in mustard and green thread. The odhni (mantle) which covers the head is long enough to drape down their backs almost touching the feet. This also elaborately embroidered and studded with little mirrors which embellish their cholis (blouses). A variety of materials - silver, brass, some gold, cowries, ivory, animal bone and even plastic - are used in the making of a Banjara wardrobe. The women wear pretty silver anklets which clink as they walk barefoot. Long silver earrings are conspicuous, and patterned cowrie shells decorate their hair, and are worn on their wrists and ankles. The hundreds of cowries that the Banjara tribal women wear are very auspicious as they represent Lakshmi, the Goddess of prosperity. These women are mainly laborers but wear all their jewelry and embroidered clothing to do heavy work, which could consist of road construction or brick carrying. In the lower picture you can see the costumes of the Banjara that they wear every day.

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Payment Methods
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Sales only by MC/Visa/Amex (using PayPal), or Money Order (shipped immediately) or Check (held for 7 days). A PayPal invoice will be sent automatically to make it easy to pay. If you choose to pay with a money order or check, just ignore the PayPal invoice, ok? ::smile:: Also, if you order several items we will send a combined PayPal invoice so you can pay all at once, with combined shipping charges! ... Thanks!!

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Shipments to USA and APO addresses
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Buyer pays $5 for USPS 2 Day Priority Mail to USA or APO addresses. Note that you may add other items from our auction offerings at NO ADDITIONAL SHIPPING CHARGE!

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International Shipments
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International shipments are actual cost only, no markup, no handling charges!...Unfortunately, with the 14May07 USA Postal service rate changes, they eliminated the smaller $5 fixed rate pack....sorry!...so, now the least expensive way is the larger $11 fixed rate pack....the good news is that we can fit more in it...up to 300 coins, or some coins and some other things....we will always try to combine items to get the best rate on shipping for you. ::smile::

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(Kuchi, Waziri, Banjara, Kutch, Turkoman, Naga, Bastar...etc)
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Erec Cardigan
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