The Earthen Pot Without Lid is one of such utilitarian objects that is traditionally used by one of the tribes, the Angami Naga tribe, of Nagaland. It represents true indigenous craftsmanship and the deep cultural relationship of the tribe with their habitat. Though seeming simple, it has great significance in everyday lives and domestic affairs among the Angami people. This is a jug-like vessel made of local clay and baked and hence hard and durable. The pot does not have a lid, making it easy to pour out and access whats inside. The shape resembles a jug; it has a much wider body and then tapers into a narrower neck, thus ideal for storing and pouring liquids like water, rice beer, called zutho in the local dialect, or certain fermented food preparations. The intention is that it has no lid-lidless pots tend to be used a lot on the day for household duties as well as in communal meetings.
One of the wealthiest among the Naga tribes in northeastern India, Angami Nagas have rich art traditions in pottery, weaving, and wooden crafts. Traditionally, the art of making pots was passed on from mothers to daughters; so, women learned and prepared the cucumber. Clay was collected from specific localities known for good quality for making pots, which were hand molded and fired in open kilns. Holi clay pots are meant not only for utilitarian ends but are also culturally important. They are often brought out into the rites, feasts, and festivals, in which, among other things, food and drink are shared in community forums.