Ethnographic Insights into Bead Jewellery Traditions of the Women of the Van Gujjar Community of Uttarakhand

Abstract

Van Gujjars are a nomadic community of herders in Uttarakhand. This ethnographic study examines the tradition of bead jewellery among Van Gujjar women to build an understanding of gendered identity in the Van Gujjar community. Our primary focus is to analyze the beliefs, ideas, and communal perspectives that influence the lives of these craftswomen, ultimately providing a nuanced understanding of how gender roles manifest, negotiate, and perpetuate within the unique socio-cultural context of the Van Gujjar community. Employing ethnographic methods and observation techniques, we engaged with a group of itinerant Van Gujjars near Byulyaad, in Uttarkashi district. Immersive interview techniques were employed to collect data, shedding light on the lived experiences, subjectivity, and sense-making processes of Van Gujjar women engaged in bead crafts. By analyzing the beliefs, ideas, and communal views that underpin the lives of these craftswomen, we aim to provide a nuanced understanding of how gender roles are manifested, negotiated, and reproduced within the unique context of the Van Gujjar community.