For the Nicobarese people of the Nicobar Islands, subsistence and maritime culture had for long depended on traditional fishing, wherein the wooden Henlong-Mong, an unconventional bamboo-made fishing basket, found its place. This basket is a classical manifestation of the trinity of utility, craftsmanship, and heritage within tribal life. The Henlong-Mong basket is almost square, intricately woven with cane strips into hexagonal patterns. The combination of hexagonal weaves is not only aesthetically appealing but also adds strength and flexibility in handling the basket. The base itself is flat so that it may be placed and remain stable on any surface. Secondly, in the base, two pieces of split bamboo are used to have some value added to the construction strength and durability.
This fishing basket is designed chiefly to trap fish and crustaceans in shallow-water areas bordering the coast, tidal, or estuarine. With the basket submerged, the fish and crustaceans, trapped into it act like a subtrap. The design of the basket allows water to flow but does not permit larger aquatic creatures inside to escape. Portability and easy handling make it a necessary item for the traditional fishing communities of the Nicobarese. Stringently made from natural materials that are easily biodegradable, cane, and wood, the Henlong-Mong epitomizes not only the Nicobarese tribe's love and respect for nature and a sustainable existence but, indeed, is much more than a practical object. It is a living testimony of invented knowledge passed down the generations.