Tena is a traditional iron arrow used by the Onges, one of the indigenous people of Little Andaman Island, present in the Andaman and Nicobar archipelago. This excellently carved arrow, simple yet effective, is but one aspect of the knowledge that the Onge people nurture and cherish across the generations- that of living in harmony with nature and remarkable craftsmanship." The Tena consists of two parts: the iron head and the long, slim shaft made of wood. The head of the arrow is flattened in shape and the tip, needle-like, to penetrate effectively while hunting. The shape of the arrow enhances the damage inflicted on the targeted game, which is mainly birds and small animals, thus forming an important aspect of the subsistence of the Onge.
The iron head is bound onto the shaft with cotton thread impregnated with natural resin, an age-old technique of adhesion that practically ensures durability and strength. Besides, this technique of binding reflected the Onge's reliance on other locally sourced natural materials. At the lower end of the shaft, a single notch is cut that lays to hold the bowstring, aiding in the sure release of the arrow. For the Onge, the Tena means much more than a hunting tool: it forms an integral part of their rich cultural heritage. It stands for their way of adjusting to an island ecology and their ever-ending efforts to uphold this ever-present traditional lifestyle amid continuing modern encroachment.