Khond tribe is resident of hilly and jungle places of Odissa. They have an extensive tradition of making versatile implements from local resources. The most important tool of daily use and tribal defense is the Pasili, a traditional axe.
This is because of a long wooden handle that is skillfully carved to give the user a firm grip and very balanced movement. The wood is inserted into a round hole at the base of a rectangular iron blade. It has a sharp cutting edge, forged by local blacksmiths using the ancient art of metal working transferred from generation to generation. The structure promises that it is going to be a good cutting instrument and formidably useful as a weapon.
Pasili is an essential tool for the Khond, mainly for chopping wood, clearing paths in the forest, and preparing land for agriculture. But whenever there are conflicts, this tool is wielded like a weapon to speak for oneself. The axe also acquires symbolic meaning during rites and festivals because axes stand for strength and resilience in tribal folklore.
The Pasili is the embodiment of Khond resourcefulness and a very intimate understanding of their environment. It represents the way functionality and cultural identity mingle in tribal Artefacts, turning it into an object not only of utility but, at the same time, ethnographic and historical significance.