Birhor is a well-known community of Particularly Vulnerable Tribal Groups (PVTGs), who dwell mainly in the state of Jharkhand, India. Traditionally, the forest dwellers with about semi-nomatic lifestyle have an easily decipherable identify possessing greatest traditions of culture and self-sustenance. Insomuch as the Birhor people make different handy utensils from natural materials for daily farming and food-processing works, the wooden mortar is a source tool for pounding grains and leafy vegetables. With a thick piece of a tree stem, it makes this tool of harvest. One scooped hollow inner side of the stem is flat over at the opposite end for the mortar to stand upon firm ground as the inner area is bowl-shaped for crushing, pounded and then placed with grains and vegetables using a wooden pestle. Dehusking grains, crushing herbs, and preparation of different leafy vegetables for cooking are some functions of the pounding.
The Birhor community traditionally has less modern convenience, they are seen going back to crude tools for food preparation. The wooden mortar is a very environmental friendly, long lasting tool which is made mostly from hardwood-which is usually available in the region. The tool itself talks much to the knowledge of the tribe about forest based products and making tools from it. This particular mortar serves as a metaphor for the traditional knowledge system of the Birhor tribe which is very much rooted in the forests they inhabit. Its preservation is essential for the very life of the indigenous agro-ecological and culinary practices millions of years old in the communities.