SHILLONG, July 17: Traditional tribal tools, once integral to agriculture and household tasks, seem to be gradually vanishing with the advent of cheaper plastic alternatives. These tools, crafted sustainably from materials like bamboo, wood, and locally smelted iron, are not only environmentally friendly but also preserve the balance between humans and nature.
For generations, shopkeepers have relied on the sales of these traditional tools. However, today, the demand has significantly dwindled. Tools like the khoh and star, used for carrying agricultural produce, and the knup, a rain shield for farmers, are seeing reduced sales. Other household staples, such as the prah, shang, and mula, along with essential kitchen tools like the mohkhiew, wait, and tari, are also affected.
In Iewduh, an aisle dedicated to these indigenous tools often appears almost empty. Conversations with shopkeepers reveal that this is a common sight. Korbarlang Thabah, who has managed the family store since 2016, explained, “Everyday sales are meager, just enough to get by. There is some demand from farmers, but modern tools and machines have taken over. The stock stays for a long time, which is devastating for a family business.”
Pretty L Nonglait, another shopkeeper at Iewduh, added: “Many people still want Khasi tools despite modern alternatives. However, the quality has degraded compared to how it used to be, contributing to the decrease in sales.”
The shopkeepers source their products from various regions: wait, tari, mohkhiew, and sdie from Mylliem, Smit, and Nongkynrih; khoh, star, and prah from Mawsynram and Sohra. Some supplies also come from outside the state.
N Kharkongor, whose shop has been in business since 2000, offers a different perspective. “The number of buyers has remained steady. Sometimes, our supplies are sent to the outskirts of Shillong, increasing sales,” he said. He noted that despite the prevalence of plastic alternatives, items like tin dustpans and traditional knives are still preferred by many.
When asked about the future of this business and the younger generation’s awareness, Kharkongor was uncertain but hopeful. “If someone wants to learn, they will find a way, especially now with the internet and YouTube making it easier to learn and practice,” he concluded.
