Kol Tribes
The Kols are an ethnic group found primarily in India's central and eastern regions. They are well-known for their distinct culture and traditions, which include a strong emphasis on community living and a thriving oral tradition. The Kols are also known for their distinctive traditional clothing and jewellery, as well as their agricultural and hunting abilities. Many Kols have also become involved in various forms of labour and wage work in recent years.
Location - The Kols are an ethnic group found primarily in India's central and eastern states, specifically Chhattisgarh, Jharkhand, Odisha, and West Bengal. They can also be found in the neighbouring states of Bihar, Madhya Pradesh, and Uttar Pradesh in small numbers. They can also be found in Bangladesh and Nepal. They are classified as a scheduled tribe in India.
Language - The Kols have their own language, which they call Kol. It belongs to the Ancient language family's Munda branch. The language is spoken by approximately 2 million people in India, with various dialects spoken by different sub-tribes. The dialects are not mutually understandable, but they share many similarities in grammar and vocabulary. The language is primarily spoken rather than written. Written forms are mostly used in religious and ritual contexts. Other languages spoken by some Kols include Hindi, Bengali, and Odia, which are more widely spoken in the regions where they live.
House - The Kol tribe's traditional houses are typically made of mud and bamboo and built on stilts to protect against flooding. The houses have straw or dried leaf thatched roofs and are frequently surrounded by a courtyard. The house's interior is divided into sections for sleeping, cooking, and storage. Houses are typically plain and functional, with little ornamentation.
Men build the houses, and women decorate the interiors with brightly coloured designs and patterns. The Kol have a tradition of constructing granaries, which are used to store food, particularly grains. These granaries are usually built on a platform and elevated off the ground to keep animals away from the stored food.
The Kol people's traditional houses are an important part of their culture, reflecting their close relationship with nature and reliance on agriculture.
Style & attire - Kol clothing is made up of colourful, hand-woven fabrics and intricate beadwork. Dhotis, a type of long, wrapped garment, and headgear such as turbans or headbands may be worn by men. Women typically wear saris, a type of draped garment, and may accessorise with jewellery such as bangles and earrings. Kol tribes' clothing is typically made of natural materials and embellished with intricate beadwork, shells, and other ornaments.
Festival - The Kol tribes festival is an annual cultural celebration held by the Kol people, an indigenous ethnic group found in India's central and eastern regions. The Kol community gathers for the festival to celebrate their cultural heritage through music, dance, and traditional rituals. It is also an opportunity for the Kol to share their unique customs and traditions with the larger community. Because the festival is organised by local Kol communities, the exact date and location vary from year to year.
Handicrafts - The Kol tribes are well-known for their traditional handicrafts, which include baskets, pottery, textiles, and jewellery. Kol handicrafts are made from locally sourced materials such as bamboo, grass, and clay.
Bamboo basketry is one of the Kol tribes' most well-known handicrafts. They make baskets of various sizes and designs that are used for a variety of purposes, including carrying crops and storing household items. Baskets are frequently intricately woven and embellished with colourful beads and shells.
Pottery is another popular Kol tribe handicraft. They use locally sourced clay to make a variety of items such as bowls, plates, and jars. Geometric patterns and colourful glazes are frequently used to decorate the pottery.
The Kol tribes also have a textile weaving tradition, particularly with cotton and silk. They weave saris and other garments known for their bright colours and intricate designs.
Jewelry making is also a popular skill among the Kol tribes. They make a variety of jewellery, including earrings, necklaces, and bracelets, from materials such as beads, shells, and metals. Often, the jewellery is brightly coloured and intricately designed.
These handicrafts are an important part of their culture and way of life, preserving traditions and skills passed down from generation to generation.
Buy tribal community products from Universal Tribes
