Khond is the name of an indigenous group residing in the Eastern Ghats of India, mostly in Odisha, Chhattisgarh, and parts of Andhra Pradesh. The Khonds are rich in culture, customs, and folk arts. Among the many intriguing objects associated with the Khond people, the metallic hut stands out. This is a remarkable intricate sculpture that enlists a number of images/icons of men with women and birds penetrating into various activities. This art is made with metalworking techniques that are still traditional to the Khonds; however, it exceeds the boundaries of a mere decorative object and very well assumes great cultural and symbolic importance for the Khond tribe.
Typically, the metal hut represents some depiction of village life, in which human figures appear as farmers, cooks, performing rituals and celebrating festivals. The birds depicted in that sculpture tie up the tribesmen into nature and their faith into the equilibrium of humankind with the natural world. It is a khond life home. It is not just a structuring entity but also implicated in the sense of community and cultural identity for the tribe. Through these intricately detailed representations, the metallic hut reveals a legacy of proficiency of the Khond tribe in the art of metal casting that was passed on over generations. These sculptures remind the tribe of their ability to renew and celebrate their traditions by depicting the daily lives and beliefs of the people. Artistic representations of the Khond Tribe, like the metallic hut, are important keys.