The gourd ladle is locally called Dumuni, and it is a ceremonial utensil among the Khonds tribes of Odisha. It marks their age-old community bonding and ritualistic traditions. This particular object is ethnographic belonging to the Indian Museum, Kolkata. It is carved out of a natural gourd shell-a material used widely by tribal artisans for its light weight and toughness.
The ladle has a bulbous lower body with a long neck like a scoop, and it is modeled on a simple large circular opening that allows liquid to send through. Traditionally, the Dumuni serves as a scoop for pouring beverages during all ceremonial congregations for harvest, marriages, and other religious rituals that involve local rice or mahua wines as most important elements in hospitality and sacred offerings.
Symbol of resourceful living-a creation of every common household item using readily available biodegradable raw materials. The elegant, functional design speaks of the deep insight of Khonds about form in nature, and function.
More than just a serving tool, the Dumuni embodies the life where the community, nature, and ritual all blend into a unique fabric.