The Bhutia tribe, principally in Sikkim and in small parts of Bhutan, is famous for its lavish cultural heritage, artistic metalwork, and finely crafted traditional tools. Contrastingly, the Daju has emerged as an incense-adorned knife, resting somewhere between pragmatic object and a token of status and identity.
The Daju knife is painstakingly made and traditionally worn by men with ceremonial dress while occasionally serving an everyday purpose. The scabbard of the Daju is the most captivating aspect, presenting an alloy of brass and copper. The alloy thus fulfills an aesthetic function as well as a protective one for the blade, demonstrating the artistry of the tribe in metalwork. The scabbard usually features traditional designs or engravings, representing the part of the wearer's ancestral lineage or belief. The iron knife blade of the Daju is imbued with the strength to remain sharp. The knife is particular in design and allows for different tasks, be it wood cutting, leather carving, or food preparation. The handle is unique in that it is riveted with two elongated pieces of polished bone that are at once decorative and functional to promote a firm grip, whereas a metal cap at the handle's end adds to the balance of the whole and protects it from wear and tear. More than merely a cutting instrument, this Daju is a beacon of the identity of the Bhutia people, bringing all the elements of artistry, utility, and tradition into one body.