An exquisite and delicately-crafted bamboo needle is from the Sangtam tribe in Nagaland, India. It is used in the time-honored practice of decorative stitching, such as applying cowrie shells onto shawls and clothes. The needle is a prime exhibit of how this community utilizes natural resources-phytogenic ones such as bamboo-to craft tools for the ornamentation of textile goods. Entirely datable to a single culm of bamboo, the needle is very thin and has a curved shape to enable it to pass through layers of fabric and hold decorative items like cowries very tightly. Further down, the needle is shaped in such a way that it appears as a twisted thread ingeniously integrated into the body of the tool, thereby usually avoiding the process of attaching such a thread material at the initial stitching. This multifunctional design illustrates the ingenious practicality of the Sangtam people.
Historical widely held symbols of wealth and status, cowrie shells are usually present in Naga textiles often used during ceremonial events and festivals. This bamboo needle seals the deal when it comes to textile decoration, further enhancing not only the look of traditional attire but also the cultural identity and expression of the Sangtam tribe. It is such handcrafted tools that signify skilled traditions, which are passed from one generation to another. They thus hold utility, culture, and nature in tandem within indigenous Naga craftsmanship.