Agricultural tools of Tanii

TRADITIONAL TOOLS OF THE APATANIS

Written by Mihin Lali and Hage Mumpa Mihin.

Introduction to this study

Traditional agricultural tools and implements stand as testaments to the ingenuity, resourcefulness, and intimate connection between people and the land. For millennia, communities around the world have developed and perfected a myriad of tools tailored to their local environments, cultural practices, and agricultural needs. Traditional agriculture tools are not merely instruments of labour; they are embodiments of cultural heritage, wisdom passed down through generations, and guardians of traditional knowledge. From the intricately carved wooden ploughs of Southeast Asia to the intricately woven baskets of the Native American tribes, these tools carry the stories, values, and identities of the communities that created them. Preserving and revitalizing Traditional agricultural practices is not only a matter of cultural preservation but also a celebration of diversity and a testament to the resilience of traditional knowledge in the face of modernization.

At the heart of Traditional agriculture lays a deep reverence for the land and a commitment to sustainability that transcends generations. Traditional agriculture tools and implements are designed to work in harmony with nature, minimizing environmental impact and maximizing resource efficiency. Techniques such as agroforestry, terracing, and crop rotation, supported by Traditional tools like digging sticks, seed dibblers, and irrigation channels, promote soil fertility, water conservation, and pest management without relying on synthetic inputs or external technologies. The result is a form of agriculture that is not only productive but also 121| Apatani- Cultural dynamics and contemporary realities regenerative, nourishing the land and sustaining communities for centuries. Like any other tribal community, the Apatanis has also cultivated a rich agricultural tradition that is as unique as it is sustainable. For centuries, the Apatani people have relied on a diverse array of traditional agricultural tools and implements to harness the fertile lands of their homeland and sustain their communities. One of the most unique features of the Apatani agriculture is the practice of integrated paddy cum fish cum finger millet cultivation, where rice paddies are integrated with fish and millet farming to create a symbiotic ecosystem. Traditional tools such as bamboo traps and nets are used to catch fish, while the fish waste serves as a natural fertilizer for the rice paddies, enhancing soil fertility and crop yields. This innovative approach not only ensures food security but also promotes ecological balance and resource efficiency, embodying the harmonious relationship between the Apatani farmers and their natural environment. Despite the encroachment from modernization and external influences, the Apatani people have demonstrated remarkable resilience in preserving their traditional agricultural practices and tools. The fragmented and small landholding pattern of the Apatani is another reason, the modern power machine could not have much influence, and rather the cultivators have been left with the option of using Traditional tools and implements for agriculture. Traditional tools and implements of the Apatanis are locally developed by farmers themselves and the cost of manufacturing is less due to the use of locally available raw materials. While some aspects of the Apatani agriculture have evolved with time, the core principles of sustainability, community cooperation, and reverence for nature remain steadfast.

Against this backdrop, the present study is an attempt to understand: (a) the various traditional agricultural tools and implements of the Apatanis. (b) Further, an attempt is 122 | Apatani- Cultural dynamics and contemporary realities directed towards documentation of various Traditional agriculture tools and implements of the Apatanis which are on the vulnerable side due to the encroachment of mechanized tools and implements of modern day.

Rationale of the Study

In the grand narrative of agriculture, the spotlight often shines on the productivity of farmers and the bountiful harvest they bring forth. However, amidst the celebration of agricultural achievements, there exists a silent, often overlooked cohort of unsung heroes – the tools and implements that enable farmers to cultivate the land, sow the seeds of progress, and reap the rewards of their labour. In many agricultural societies, traditional tools have been used for generations, passed down from ancestors who relied on them for their livelihoods. From hand ploughs and sickles to power tillers and threshing machines, these tools have played a pivotal role in shaping agricultural practices and sustaining communities. Yet, as modern farming techniques and machinery become more prevalent, there's a tendency to overlook the significance of these traditional implements. The cultural and historical significance of agricultural tools cannot be overstated. These tools often carry deep symbolic meaning, representing the connection between humanity and the land, the resilience of rural communities, and the wisdom passed down through generations. Preserving and honouring these traditions is essential for maintaining cultural identity and fostering a sense of pride in agricultural heritage.

Elyo (Machete/ Grass Slasher)

Elyo is a very versatile tool commonly used for clearing vegetation, particularly when a jungle is to be transformed into a new agricultural field. It is excellent for cutting through dense vegetation, such as tall grass, bush, and small branches. It is often used to clear fields, pathways and overgrown areas. It is believed that in Iipyo supuñ, Aaba Liibo and Anii Donii used Tiigo Elyo for clearing the jungle where they first started their farming. Elyo is normally used as a pruning tool for trees and plants, particularly in situations where precision is not much required like in Bije-Sansuñ (Bamboo grove), Saadi (Grove), Morey (Jungle), etc. The Apatanis normally believed that the earliest ironworks were started by Abo Loma, and most of the existing old Elyo like Chiri Elyo (Striped Machete) is the product of Abo Loma. There are different types of Elyo as per the nature of work, like Chiri Elyo (Striped Machete) for ritual purposes, and Giiming Elyo (Normal Machete) for normal day-to-day work. The cutting area of Elyo is made of good quality iron and the handle is generally made of wood and sometimes with good quality bamboo and the cover of the Elyo called Hubyu is also made of Bamboo and cane.

Dipe (Spade)

The origin of Dipe dates back to Iipyo supuñ, where Aaba Liibo used Turu Dipe for the first landscaping of the agricultural field. Dipe is primarily used for tilling, digging and landscaping of the agricultural land. This is mainly done for the placement of seeds and plants to grow. Dipe in the Apatani agricultural activities are used for multiple purposes right from pre-sowing to post-harvesting time. In the pre-sowing period, Dipe is used for digging of land particularly for Aji Agger Pagger (Mending of earthen dykes in agricultural field), clearing of weeds from Aji Agger (dykes of Agriculture field), tilling of land, levelling of land, landscaping of the agricultural field, etc. Dipe is also used as moving material such as soil and collection of weeds from one place to another. There are different types of Dipe designed for specific tasks. For example, a square/ rectangular shape Dipe is great for preparing Aji Pakho/Hetey (Trenches within the agricultural field) and for weeding of dykes before millet saplings are planted. The regular design Dipe is used for general digging and levelling of land. Like any other tools, Dipe requires maintenance to keep them in good working condition. The maintenance is normally done by the local blacksmith like sharpening and mending of the broken part, etc. The handle which is made of Bamboo or wood is locally fixed by the farmers themselves.