The Galong tribe—otherwise called Galo—is one of the most known tribal communities of Arunachal Pradesh. The Galo people display their rich vibrant traditions and have a very close bond with nature, besides leading a self-sustaining life. Fishing is a relatively important part of the livelihood among their traditional fishing tools, in which the Raju-a cylindrical fishing basket-plays an important role. The Raju has been made out of split bamboo, shaped into a cylindrical form with a fine opening. The weaving is tight and functional-securing that once a fish enters, it cannot escape. It is intended to be placed in shallow streams or along riverbanks, often baited to attract fish or cleverly positioned where natural water currents run. Fish get easily inside but water passes through quite easily due to their inward tapering structure.
This fishing basket is lightweight, portable, and biodegradable, which is the Galo tribesmen way of saying conscious of the environment. Abundant bamboo is available from the region, which is used not only for its aforementioned advantages but also for the cultural value in tribal architecture, tools, and rituals. More important in this regard, the Raju serves functional purposes; it stands testimony to the indigenous craftsmanship and tradition, handed down from one generation to the next. The making and use of such baskets are often communal affairs, which reinforce social ties and cultural knowledge within the tribe.