This traditional headband, belonging to the Phom Naga tribe of Nagaland, illustrates the tribe's rich artistic heritage and close affinity with nature. The Phoms are one of the major Naga tribes widely known for intricate crafts, symbolic ornamentation, and elaborate ceremonial clothing.Headbands are made from finely split bamboo, strong yet resilient. In the center lies a thin brass plate with a distinct arrangement of designs engraved on the sides, which bear customary symbolic meaning of traditional Phom: valor, abundance, or pride for ancestors.
The tips of the headband are finished with finely woven strips of cane for reinforcement and contrast. Benefits offered by the use of orchid skin create another design accent and exhibit the Phom's skill in working organic materials and metal to produce culturally meaningful adornment.The Indian Museum, Kolkata, presently preserves this headband; it was not merely a decorative object but a symbol that links identity, tradition, and social status among the Phoms. It serves as a marvel of craftsmanship and a repository for rich symbolism, very much tied to Nagaland's tribal culture.