Guwahati, April 2: Assamese Jewellery, commonly known as Axomiya Gohona, has officially secured a Geographical Indication (GI) tag, marking a momentous recognition of Assam’s rich cultural heritage.

The announcement was made by the Geographical Indications Registry under the Intellectual Property Office, with registration details published on the GI Authority’s official website. The application for Assamese Jewellery was submitted by the Gems and Jewellery Promotion Council of Assam, with the process facilitated by the Assam Science and Technology and Environment Council (ASTEC).

Axomiya Gohona is a collection of handcrafted traditional ornaments that reflect Assam’s flora, fauna, musical instruments, and cultural artifacts. Characterized by their golden appearance, these ornaments are adorned with vibrant red, black, green, blue, and white gemstones and enamel. The intricate designs include motifs of birds like the fan-tailed pigeon (Lokaparo) and hawk eagle (Hensorai); traditional musical instruments such as the drum (Dhol) and horn pipe pair (Juripepa); animals like the household lizard (Jethi); and cultural symbols such as the Assamese headgear (Japi), crescent moon (Jun), and boat (Bena).

Handcrafted by skilled artisans known as Sonari, Assamese Jewellery is made using high-purity gold (22 carat or above) and silver (92.5% or above). The gold foils or gold leaf used in these ornaments also maintain the same high purity standards. Additionally, gemstones and enamel in rich hues add to the aesthetic appeal, while lac (lah) is often used to fill the gold frames.

The tradition of Axomiya Gohona dates back at least 1,000 years, with references to gold usage in Assam found in classical texts such as the Arthashastra. During the Ahom dynasty, gold ornament manufacturing flourished, as gold dust was abundantly found in the sands of Assam’s rivers, particularly the Subansiri, a tributary of the Brahmaputra. The Sonowal Kacharis, a community historically engaged in gold-washing, played a vital role in sourcing this gold.

What sets Assamese Jewellery apart is its unique designs inspired by nature, music, and daily Assamese life. Each piece is named after the object it represents, such as Jon Biri (crescent moon pendant), Lokaparo (twin fan-tailed pigeons), Jethi Poti (lizard’s tail with V-shaped medallions), and Dhol Biri (drum-shaped ornament). These timeless designs have been passed down through generations, preserving Assam’s artistic legacy.

Also Read: Meghalaya’s Ryndia and Handloom Products receive prestigious GI Tag

Also Watch

Find latest news from every corner of Northeast India at hubnetwork.in, your online source for breaking news, video coverage.

Also, Follow us on-

Twitter-twitter.com/nemediahub

Youtube channel- www.youtube.com/@NortheastMediaHub2020

Instagram- www.instagram.com/ne_media_hub

Download our app from playstore – Northeast Media Hub