The Ambu is a native arrow of the Khond, the indigenous people of the forest regions of Odisha, Andhra Pradesh, and Chhattisgarh. Having a close relationship with nature and living a completely self-sufficient life, the Khond developed special kinds of hunting tools. The Ambu, with its unique composition and working, stands out as a striking example of their craftsmanship and practical ingenuity.
The arrow consists of a shaft and arrow head. Shaft is made of a very lightweight reed, chosen for perfect straightness for the right aerodynamic features. It has a notch at the rear end for fitting on the bowstring. A pointed arrow-the Ambu arrow has a head of iron, characterized by sharp pointed tips and two barbs. These mean the maximum damage is done without any chance of recovering the arrow after it has penetrated the body of the animal-prime conditions for an arrow in hunting.
The heads are glued to the shafts using bark fibers, being the natural binding material resulting in maximum strength and flexibility. The use of bark fibers rather than synthetic binding materials further illuminates the Khond' dependence on the forest for materials and tools, promoting their eco-centric life.
The Ambu is much more than a hunting implement; it embodies the knowledge, survival mechanisms, and identity of the tribe. Its design represents centuries of tribal knowledge, transmitted through oral traditions and illustrated in experience.