An axe form which is actually traditional-was called the Tangi. The tribe-the Bonda-is well known as one of the oldest as well as most distinctively tribal groups found in India. They primarily inhabit the hill regions of Odisha. Bondas have developed their ways of life and the attachment to nature in the form of tools-hunting, woodcutting, and self-defense, mostly through the Tangi.
The heathen town is made up of two main components: the triangular iron blade, made of a pole, and the long wooden handle. The blade is carefully forged featuring a square butt end that gradually narrows toward the cutting edge. The ground edge itself is slightly curved, thus maximizing efficiency in both chopping and cutting tasks. This type of blade is fitted to the handle and is provided an opening in a circular shape making it fit solid and firm.
The grip does make the user feel comfortable; although, it is flat yet round formed, made from local wood that will usually be able to stand very hard wearing within the forest. Another part from the wood is that it holds important part of bondas lifestyles; its utility value goes with them everywhere in daily activities and ceremonial life.
The tangi is not something that can be considered an effective tool-useful alone, but it has cultural significance in the lives of Bondas as they carry it for daily use and during various ceremonies. In modern times, while almost all industrial tools replaced the traditional ones, the Tangi still remains a symbol of hardcore resilience, measurable only by the intimate knowledge of its people in forest life.