The sickle, in all probability, is a traditional agri-tool used by the Chunia Kenedy Malias tribe in Odisha, India, and is made of an iron blade of crescent shape having a serrated cutting edge-that makes it possible for harvesting crop and grass. The ferrule secures the blade onto a long wooden handle which supports strong grip for repeated use while in agricultural operations. The serrated edge of the blade improves cutting efficiency, especially in harvesting coarse crops like paddy and millets, which are dietary staples among the tribes. Such extended lengths of the handle provide ease in use and reduced stress during protracted agricultural activities.
The Chunia Kenedy Malias are much more typical tribal people residing in an area in Odisha not well known. Most of them depend on such traditional farming implements for survival. The sickle is truly an exemplar of the ingenuity of indigenous craftsmanship: utility and resourcefulness must have inspired its constructive spirit. Most of the utilities of the sickle are hand-whittled by local blacksmiths and then passed on to others.This iron sickle is more than a tool. It enters into the tribal heritage of Odisha. It assumes meanings beyond that of a mere subsistence tool. The iron sickle thus transcends its immediate practical utility to embody self-reliance in rural life as well as sustainable rural farming systems.