Various boho brands

Numerous boho-chic brands have marketed a piece of jewelry, traditionally known as a hand-to-wrist chain, under the offensive moniker "Slave Bracelet." These items, often sold for around $25, are presented as fashion accessories without acknowledging their cultural roots or the problematic nature of the adopted name. This renaming has been widely adopted in Western markets, stripping the item of its original identity.

The original piece, known as Hathphool (हाथफूल), translates to "hand-flower" and is a significant bridal ornament from Rajasthan and other parts of North India. This intricate jewelry, often crafted with delicate chains connecting a finger ring to a bracelet, symbolizes beauty, grace, and new beginnings for a bride. It is traditionally made by skilled artisans, with its true value estimated around ₹2,000, reflecting the craftsmanship and cultural significance embedded in each piece.

The appropriation of the Hathphool and its renaming as a "Slave Bracelet" has drawn sharp criticism from cultural commentators, Indian communities, and anti-racism advocates. Objections primarily center on the use of a violent and racially charged term to describe a traditional Indian bridal ornament. Critics highlight the insensitivity and historical ignorance of marketing a cultural item with a name that evokes the horrors of slavery, completely disregarding its original meaning and context.