The Vibel, a bamboo pipe used for smoking by the Syloo tribe, is deceptively simple and yet a well-made traditional smoking implement. It consists of a single segment of bamboo with openings at either end, providing a short handle for ease of handling. The structure is to include a hole below the handle and two additional holes on either side of the handle for proper air passage and smoother inhalation. The Syloo tribe, primarily living in the region of Meghalaya, is known for its fine craftsmanship and strong adherence to traditional practices. The smoking pipe, such as the Vibel, is of great cultural importance to the tribe, as its social function is contentious.
This represents a cherished scene in social functions and traditional rituals. The choice of bamboo as their main element shows this tribe's sustainability and usefulness, for bamboo is abundantly found in the area and put to use for innumerable purposes, some utilitarian, others artistic. Besides being a functional object, this handcrafted pipe has its significance and place in tribal heritage. The design displays indigenous engineering, with the positions of the holes allowing optimal circulation of air for the best smoking experience. Artifacts of this kind further convey the cultural richness that surrounds the Syloo, who strive to maintain the basis of their existence by trading in craftsmanship.