Farm Implement: Iron Scythe This iron scythe is a traditional farming implement used by the Sauras of the Persea Kennedy Malias tribe, a hill-dwelling indigenous community from Odisha. The tool consists of an iron blade that is almost straight with a slight anterior curve, quite useful for controlled cutting. Its cutting edge is serrated, making it more effective for harvesting crops and cutting grasses. The blade is attached to a wooden handle using a long tang that ensures a tight fit. Additionally, a perforation on the handle-often used for tying or hanging the tool-adds to its practicality and portability in rugged terrain.
This scythe is primarily used in subsistence agriculture, especially for reaping paddy, millets, and forest grasses. The Saura tribe, known for their eco-centric living, relies on such tools crafted from local materials, which reflects a deep traditional knowledge of making tools and sustainable resource use.