Gadaba tribe of the Indian states of Orissa, mostly districts of Koraput and Malkangiri, is popular for its cultural wealth and traditional agriculture. Traditional wooden yoke is the most important implement used for agricultural operations by the Gadaba people.

The yoke is made of a long wooden beam which has two square-shaped holes on either end of it which fit the necks of two oxen so that they may pull together in the field. Moreover, there are three minor holes drilled along the length of the yoke wherein little sticks or pegs fit. These pegs help in attaching the plowing implements or carts firmly which in itself highlights functionality in design according to the needs of the Gadaba.

The synthesis of yoke shows the greatest wisdom of the Gadaba people of this ecology and their capacity to use the resources around them. Their economy is based primarily on agriculture and supplemented by hunting, fishing and collection of forest produce. Traditionally, Gadaba communities practiced shifting cultivation on the adjacent hills, but now they have shifted towards settled forms of agriculture. As such, this yoke becomes an extremely important-based aspect of their livelihoods since oxen and buffaloes are maintained for plowing primarily.

This is crucial in order for the sustainability of the cultural identity of the tribe. While modernity encroaches upon indigenous practices, it becomes even clearer to document and understand such tools into sustainable agriculture engagements while learning about the tribe's harmonious relationship with nature.