Andapatra is a specific kind of bamboo basket traditionally made and used by the Khond Tribe of Odisha. Andapatra is circular in shape, made of finely-split bamboo, and has an hourglass-like shape due to the design of the constricted middle section, which sets it apart from other utility baskets of the tribe.
The design is, of course, not merely decorative but rather functional. The constricted middle gently holds fragile goods such as eggs and prevents them from rolling over and breaking. In Khond households, the Andapatra is used to store and carry eggs from the forest or poultry sheds back to the house.
The Khond, settlers of Odisha, are among the oldest tribes known for their various nature-interfaced practices and practical innovations manifesting traditional knowledge systems. The Andapatra emphasizes their sustainable lifestyle, with bamboo as the main construction material, which are in plenty in their forests. Weaving techniques are passed down from generation to generation so that the craft's skill-and-culture becomes ingrained in the society.
In addition, this vessel is culturally relevant, being crafted at certain seasons or community events related to agriculture or animal rearing. Simple as it may appear, the Andapatra illustrates the elegance and efficiency with which indigenous design attends to needs in everyday life.