The Galong tribe, or the Galo tribe of Arunachal Pradesh, dwell in ecological and sustainable living environments inherited from their ancestors. Traditional fishing practices form an essential part of the daily sustenance of this tribe. Edar is one of many ingenious fishing implements of the tribe, particularly a fine fish trap that shows a thorough understanding of aquatic life and indigenous materials. Edar is constructed as a cylindrical-shaped fish trap made through the weaving of split bamboo strips, rendering it tough, flexible, and water damage resistant. The trap is essentially designed for the capture of small fish in running water, such as in streams and rivers within the neighborhood. Inside the cylindrical body, a conical-shaped valve is strategically placed so that it catches fish entering but makes escape nearly impossible.
At the opposite end of the valve, the trap is sealed with a woven bamboo cap which can be removed to collect the trapped fish. This stylish construction allows both for efficient fish capture and easy maintenance of the trap. The Edar is typically placed in narrow water passages or anchored against the current to let the natural flow guide fish inside. The Galo tribe interpreting the Edar as theirs means that the fishing is sustainable and done in a low-impact way. This perception complements their larger ecological consciousness. The Edar is a generational tool useful in practical ways, blended with artistry and cultural heritage.