The Santals are one of India's largest tribal groups, inhabiting the states of Jharkhand, West Bengal, Orissa, and Bihar in the majority. Their way of life is entirely agrarian and so their implements reflect a unique blend of functionalism with culture. The Santal tradition has produced stunning Artefacts such as the traditional winnowing fan, an exemplar of indigenous making, utility, and artistry by tribal societies.
The winnowing fan, therefore, is made in U shape for it to serve as a handful. The two corners of the fan base are very perceptibly designed so as to experiment with the ergonomics of separation of grain from chaff. Accommodation of two thrusts - downward by gravity and upward by wind - shall brush away the husks whilst the heavier grains settle down.Bamboo, from the aspects of material, shows that the Santals do appreciate sustainability as bamboo is a renewable and locally available resource. The making of such fans requires the craft of bamboo weaving and is considered to be a time-honored knowledge system that has passed down through generations. The process of making winnowing fans is chiefly carried out by men and women of the tribe in their spare time from agricultural work, which suggests a community economy based on resourcefulness and self-reliance .