Indigenous fishing tools of Manipuri tribes hold the cotton fishing net very closely to their age-old practices and in their daily sustenance. A torn and worn out fishing net signifies much more than use-it is of tradition, resilience, and an entire way of life that is closely tied to water. A rectangular net, handwoven from cotton thread, bordered on either side with ropes for structure and support so it can be stretched or dragged during fishing. Sadly, this net is currently torn, with evidence of frequent use, likely across monsoon fishing, lake harvesting, and communal fishing expeditions through the many rivers and wetlands of Manipur, highlighted by the famous Loktak Lake.
Cotton is a natural material, thus lightweight, while at the same time eco-friendly. Unlike the following synthetic alternatives, cotton fishing nets degrade naturally without any harm to aquatic ecosystems, aligning with the principles of Manipuri tribalism in the concept of sustainable practices and respect for nature. Tear in the net might suggest inevitable wear by long-term use, but also indicates challenges faced by traditional communities in maintaining indigenous tools in a rapidly modernizing world. Even such a damaged net serves today as a cultural artifact-drawn into the narrative of how the community interacts with their environment, and how their traditional knowledge systems carry on enduring glories.