Among the major indigenous peoples of Meghalaya in Northeast India, the Garo tribe is said to be the most traditionalized in its practice of knowledge, art, crafts, and live pattern with nature. Such is their resourceful use of materials for everyday purposes that often leave one with an awe for their ingenuity. An example of such ingenuity is the small vessel made from a gourd dried without any cutting, and with a tiny opening at the top. Gourd vessels are built by selecting ripened gourds, which are normally kept sun-dried until the outer shell is hardened at the time of drying. This is followed by removing the inner pulp and leaving behind a very durable and lightweight carrier. The carrier is made with a small opening at the top, followed by a long constricted neck and a bulb-like lower portion that stores whatever is inside. The carrier is not just an attractive piece; it is also meant for function—narrow-necked so that little isi wasted in spillage or evaporation, making it very convenient for water, herbal infusions, or our very own traditional rice beer, bitchi, to be stored.

This vessel, like other traditional vessels among the Garo people, is used for home and social or ceremonial purposes. Gourd is particularly noted for its insulating capacity, which keeps the temperature of liquid inside as much as possible. Sometimes there are decorative embellishments, such as carvings or burnished surfaces, to beautify the vessel. This reflecting object tells of the deep ecological and cultural identity of the people of Garo. It shows how they still depend on nature to source their daily needs from the sustainable, biodegradable materials, denoting a life that is practical and holds high regard for the environment.