The Minkude is an Odisha tribe ceremonial knife used traditionally by the Khonds tribe of Odisha and now preserved at the Indian Museum, Kolkata. This tribal Artefact bears a triangular-shaped iron blade with a pointed head and sharp cutting edge serving functional and ritualistic purposes simultaneously.
The blade is securely mounted on the short handle of wood, enabling a good grip while using it. The Minkude, unlike other tools, has a strong ritual significance; it is used on occasions such as buffalo sacrifice festivals, which are ancient tribal rituals practiced among the Khonds worshipping the earth goddess and fertility rites. Legend has it that this sacred ritual guarantees fruitful harvests and a peaceful co-existence with nature.
The Minkude stands for much more than mere tool; it embodies tribal spirituality and identity. The artistry is deceptively simple, intimately tied to the religious beliefs of the Khond, reflecting their skill to marry practicality with spiritual expression.