Garana or Panjari, the carefully crafted butts cage, is one typical traditional utility Artefacts of the Khonds tribe from Odisha, India. Now it can be seen in the Indian Museum, Kolkata, and is another testimony to the great tradition of the tribe in bamboo craft and living sustainably.
The cage has a square base, which consists of tightly woven bamboo splits forming a mat. From this base, it rises up into a circular body and finally takes on a dome-shaped top, which results in a harmonious combination of geometric shapes and functional design. Although appearing quite plain, it has well thought out construction and measures for strength and proper containment.
This very type of cages were generally made to accommodate small domestic animals or birds and sometimes for ceremonial or periodic storage. Even as it highlights the use of a very easily accessible and nature friendly material, it reflects very well the prosperous traditions of the Khonds that of a sustainable lifestyle and harmonious living with nature.
Apart from usability, really what the Garana reflects of the aesthetic sense and skill that the tribe inherited from the past. Today, it stands not only as an object for utility but also as a cultural Artefact that tells tales of tribal everyday life, traditional knowledge, and ecological wisdom.