The hoe is an indispensable agricultural implement which is used by the biggest tribal community in Odisha, Andhra Pradesh, and Chhattisgarh-the Khonds tribe. The Khonds have a close nexus to the natural world and a dependence upon the traditional tools for agricultural and day-to-day work. Their hoe has an iron blade with wooden handles used for digging the soils, uprooting weeds, and preparing land for use in cultivation (Elwin, 1950).

Khond blacksmiths had been using the traditional method of iron-smelting for making the hoe during the centuries past. Such knowledge has been handed down over generation. The blade formed from iron gives strength and sharpness for the works done with both soft and hard soil. The wooden handle is fit for a strong grip making it easier for the user to work with it for long hours (Mohanty, 2012).

The hoe is used for appropriate cultural and spiritual significance. In one of the Khond rituals, such farming tools have been like hoes offered in front of deities asking for blessings for a good harvest and safety of their land. Historically, Khonds have also been using farming tools as weapons to guard their territories, thus making these a symbol of strength and survival (Pattnaik, 2018).

Even now the Khonds are practicing the hoe for agricultural purposes, maintaining their tradition while adapting modernity. Their instruments used are simple, yet very effective to their deep knowledge of the land, helping them in preserving their cultural identity.