Folk and tribal people of Odisha, India, the Khond people, are known to have practiced the craft of making knitted jute bags utilizing lot of unique craftsmanship for their needs. The Khond people settled deep in the forest and were self-sustained, standing firmly in maintaining a unique relationship with nature: they depend on materials that grow around them, in this case, mainly jute fibers, to fabricate useful objects that suit their needs supporting their environment. The knitted bag is small and almost square in shape, constructed completely out of jute fibers. Its strength, flexibility, and texture are derived from the tightly plaited interlacing of the natural jute threads. A jute strap runs above for carrying: one carries the jute bag in the hand or slung over the shoulder. Size and strength combined make this bag very useful and suitable for tough outdoor work.
The traditional use of this bag, as noted, consist of carrying projectiles or small items while hunting-typifying the jungle relationship with all its logistic resources. The bag size and design allow for good concealment-access-interaction, and the natural jute material ensures that the bag is at home in the forest and does not make a noise-important for the hunters! Nevertheless, in addition to all its practical uses, the knitted jute bag embodies Khond creativity, sustainability, and resourcefulness. Certainly made from plant fiber-Jute-they are thus practicing sustainable lifestyles; and hence, the dependency on nature related both to their livelihoods and cultural value.