Sickle is one such important tool associated with the Khonds, perhaps the largest tribal community in the states of Odisha. The Khonds are one with nature, and they put themselves into such traditional tools in agriculture and other functions. This sickle has a curved iron blade having a very sharp edge, mainly used for harvesting crops, cutting grass, and collecting firewood (Elwin, 1950).
Blacksmiths of Khond used to make siizes for generations through local techniques of iron making and pass this process of making such implements from one generation to the other. A sickle has a wooden handle, hence, ease on the grip while holding and using it for long hours is possible. However, not only cultivation, the sickle also embodies deep cultural and spiritual significance (Mohanty, 2012).
Some such sickles are sometimes given to their Earth Goddess, Tari Penu, by the Khonds in these ceremonies, in the belief that she will bless them with harvests and safe-hold land. Historically, Khonds used such sickles for a reason of defense, thus internalizing into their essence a symbol of survival and strength (Pattnaik, 2018).
Khonds even use sickles for agriculture and everyday chores till today, thus carrying forward their age-old traditions. More traditional tools and skills are utilized by them even today, which help in preserving their cultural identity from modern changes. It can be said that the sickle is much more than a mere tool-it is a part of their history, resilience, and the very identity of their lifestyle.