Author: moikikorim

Animal net trap is a kind of net used for hunting or capturing small to large animals, especially deer, rabbits, hare, and wild boars by the Rabha community. It is also used by most of the ethnic communities in Assam for capturing animals. Earlier these were made of jute threads, however, at present; most of the nets are made of plastic ropes. As it is closely knitted, it holds a higher probability of the animal getting caught up in the trap leaving minimal chance for escape. This net is normally used to lay a trap in the potential area where signs of animal tracks can be observed. A group of hunters is usually responsible for chasing and luring the animal towards the trap. These kinds of animal traps are used not only to hunt for flesh, but for capturing animals which destroy crops and vegetables.

Bakzaal is a kind of net used for hunting or capturing small to big animals, especially tigers or other animals like wild boars and deer by the Rabha community. This net is normally used to lay a trap in the potential area where signs of animal tracks can be found. A group of hunters are usually responsible for chasing and luring the animal towards the trap. These kinds of traps are used not only to hunt for food, but for capturing animals destroying crops and vegetables.

Khaloi is fishing equipment which is used to store fish while fishing. The pitcher shaped container is made of bamboo, and sometime cane is also used to tie the knots. In the neck of the Khaloi, a jute rope or cane wire is connected which is used to tie on the waist of the fishermen to keep the catches during the fishing operations. The tapering shape in the neck portion of the object prevents the caught fish coming out. This is a common fishing implement used by many communities in Assam.

Borokhi is a simple fishing rod made of jute for angling. A string with an iron or copper hook at its end is attached to the rod. To lure the fish, baits such as earthworms and other insects are pinned to the hook in such a way that the hook gets stuck in the mouth of the fish if it swallows the bait. When fish nibbles the bait, the jute rod starts moving, thus alerting the fisherman. This type fishing equipment is used basically in shallow water bodies or mud water.

Jekhai is a fishing scoop made of bamboo used for catching fish from shallow ponds, rivers and paddy fields. This triangular basket-shaped scoop with a handle is mostly used by women fishers. There is a flexible jute or plastic wire connected from one edge to the other of the scoop. This is used for dragging purpose, in the low water or muddy water for catching small fish. Moreover, this implement is dragged in the water channel or shallow water bed for churning up the water or while trampling the weed and the fish which enters the scoop eventually get caught.

This object is used for storing grasshopper while using it as bait for fishing. This conical shaped container is made of cane and bamboo. The bottom is fastened tightly.

Ch:ek is a lift net used for fishing by submerging to a certain depth of the water and then lifting out vertically. In this equipment, the corners of a square shaped net are attached to four strings and the strings are tied together on the top of bamboo pole. The bamboo pole is used as a lever to put the net into the water and lift it up. This kind of net is used in deep water by most communities of Assam.

Kali or Jong is a kind of impaling tool for fishing. It is made of several thin pointed rods in the front side attached to a long bamboo stick. These pointed iron rods are fastened together and inserted inside the stick. This type fishing equipment is used basically in low water bodies or mud water. This is used for impaling on small and large fish in rainy season.

Kachi Jong is a harpoon type fishing equipment. It is made of iron like a comb in the front side attached to a long bamboo stick. This iron comb is inserted into the bamboo stick. This type fishing equipment is used basically in low water bodies or muddy water. The iron comb having sharp teeth is pressed into the mud for catching the fish.

Kali or Jong is a kind of impaling tool for fishing. It is made of fourteen pointed rods in the front side attached to a long bamboo stick. These fourteen pointed iron rods are fastened together and inserted inside the stick. This type fishing equipment is used basically in low water bodies or mud water. This is used for impaling on large fish in rainy season.