The Ulsuk is a big, traditional knife used by one of the most ancient and culturally distinct tribal communities of India, the Bonda tribe. They are found primarily in the Malkangiri district of Odisha, where they inhabit most of the remote hill regions and have kept their traditional way of living for thousands of years.
This particular knife to come into the collection of the Indian Museum, Kolkata, is a mark of the tribe's indigenous weapon-making art. The blade is made of iron and has a pointed end attached to a sharp cutting edge, so it is used to cut and pierce. It has a U-shaped handle made of aluminium, making it durable with a firm grip, highly recommended for defensive use, considering its positional and anxiety-oriented functions.

Historically, the Ulsuk has served as a weapon of defense to its user against wild animals and hostile attacks. It was also used for… Activities in the woods and for subsistence activities in the rough area the Bondas occupy. Beyond the practical, the knife conveys much of the resilience, strength, and self-reliance of a tribe.