The Garo tribe is one among the several hill tribes of Meghalaya and has a very famous handloom and weaving tradition. One of the household items here is a flat wooden apparatus which is long, has a flat lower end and tapering point at the other end. Indeed, it is this comparatively simple tool, which plays a major role in the careful management of weft and warp in an intricate traditional weaving operation. This wooden apparatus may function similarly to a weaving sword or beater, wherein it is used to separate or press threads together during weaving. At the same time, the tapered end helps in maneuvering through the warp threads, while the flat surface helps push in weft, which holds it tight in place, ensuring evenness of the textile.
Such tools are locally made by the use of a native wood, proving the resourcefulness and sustainable use of natural materials by the Garo people. Weaving is a basic skill to many Garo women, who often have geometrical and symbolic motifs in their textiles that represent their cultural heritage.This tool is a way of continuing age-old craftsmanship within the way of life, as well as a manifestation of indigenous knowledge systems. For it does not just stand for utility but also connection to a long-rooted identity and tradition.