A Symbol of Strength and Tradition
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Among the many striking adornments worn by tribal women in Kutch, the Vadlo (also known as Vaidlah) stands out as a bold statement of identity, resilience, and beauty.
Crafted meticulously in silver, the Vadlo is a form of Hasli style neckpiece, composed of wires of varying gauges, hand-twisted and skillfully layered to form a powerful, sculptural ornament. Its weight and form are not just physical—they carry centuries of tradition, belief, and pride.
image credit source: Thomas K. Seligam
For many communities in Kutch, the Vadlo is more than ornamentation. It is a crucial part of a bride’s trousseau, gifted during marriage and worn with honour. It is believed to offer protection, grounding, and strength to the wearer—often becoming a woman’s most treasured possession.
image credit source: Vogue India
Recently, this age-old ornament made its way onto the cover of Vogue magazine, worn by Sonam Kapoor, who paired it with contemporary couture—shining a light on its raw, rustic beauty and timeless relevance. (Please note the neckpiece Sonam has worn here is from the collection of Amrapali Museum)
image credit source: Bhadra Mehta
Seen here is image of an elderly woman from Kutch our team member met during her travels. She is adorned in her traditional Vadlo—an image we hold close as a reminder of where this ornament truly belongs: in the living history of our people.
At Aham, we honour such heritage through our deep appreciation of tribal silver jewellery. The Vadlo is a testament to India’s indigenous craft traditions, where every twist of wire tells a story of community, continuity, and craftsmanship.
As we bring such timeless pieces into contemporary conversations, we invite you to see them not just as jewellery—but as powerful expressions of culture and spirit.
If you wish to make history a part of your treasure, you can explore available collection of haslis on sale on our website here