The sharpe, an iron arrowhead wielded within the Santhaltribe, is a very important indicator of native craftsmanship and traditional weaponry. The arrowhead shown here is in Indian Museum, Kolkata, and speaks of Santals, the largest tribal group in India, about their marksmanship and ability to hunt within, Jharkhand .
An arrowhead which is made of iron, has a triangular body. Its signature peculiar narrowness at the upper end and breadth at the base gives it aerodynamic culture. The ridged surface is added for strength and tends to help in penetrating. Well-carved barbs at the base are so sharp and help the arrow resist dislodging easily after impact; hence it is very useful while hunting or self-defense is needed. A tang feature at the base helps support an insect into a wooden shaft for fixity.
Traditionally, the Santals have used these kinds of weapons not only to hunt game in the jungles but also for personal protection. Hence, this arrowhead could be categorized as both a material utility and as an anthropological object that encapsulates the intimate contact that the tribe has with nature and with their skills of survival.