This designer's exquisite jewellery collection honours Odisha’s Bonda tribe

Bonda tribe—the muse behind the creative force for Anamika Khanna—is one of the oldest and most isolated tribes in India, primarily residing in the hilly regions of Malkangiri district in Odisha. Renowned for their unique culture, language, and lifestyle, the Bonda people have resiliently maintained their traditional customs despite external pressures. 

Building on last year’s Bonda-inspired clothing line, Khanna has introduced an exquisite jewellery collection that continues to honour this remarkable tribe. The AKOK’s collection showcases a range of earrings, necklaces, and bracelets, meticulously crafted from a blend of brass, copper, silver, and rhodium, finished with an antique polish. In an exclusive interview with Bazaar India, Khanna shares insights into this collection and the inspiration behind it.

 

Harper’s Bazaar: What inspired you to focus on Bonda tribe culture for this collection, and how do your designs reflect their heritage?

Anamika Khanna: For me, it’s always about exploring a new part of India. I was reading about the rich history of this tribe. I went through some visuals and felt oh my god! It was spectacular, and I got drawn to it. For me, it’s always an endeavour to take something from India and make it contemporary—that’s what we do. 

HB: How do you balance contemporary design elements with traditional artisanal techniques?

AK: It is something that I’ve been practising ever since I started designing. It’s about taking artisanal techniques and then looking at it in different ways. Sometimes it’s about taking that design and making it contemporary, and on others, it’s about imbibing elements from the rest of the world into Indian traditions.

 

HB: How do you make your jewellery versatile enough to complement both Indian and western outfits?

AK: I take pride in saying that our jewellery is super versatile—it can be styled in multiple ways. I would layer 10 bangles and bracelets together of different designs and wear it with a white shirt or I can use the same pieces for a more traditional Indian setting. Take for instance, I can team the same jewellery with a sari. The collection comes deeply out of India, but the way the shapes have been envisioned, it adds a contemporary aesthetic to it. 

HB: You describe these pieces as “modern heirlooms”. What does this term mean to you, and how do you see this collection fitting into that concept?

AK: Modern heirloom means a contemporary piece that is also timeless. It can be passed down to generations. This collection is built on the same ethos and is inspired by an indigenous tribe. 

 

HB: Do you plan to explore other cultures or crafts in your future collection?

AK: Hundred per cent. I will be exploring continuously with different cultures and crafts in all our collections.

All images: Courtesy the brand

This article first appeared in Harper's Bazaar India, September 2024, print edition.

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