The dish here is a heavy wooden dish made of redwood and is a traditional object of the Sema or the Sumi Naga tribe of Nagaland, India. The dish is elevated and rests on a high, strong leg with a heavy solid handle, demonstrating its utility and representing the unique woodcraft tradition of the tribe. Redwood is one of the major champions in terms of longevity, appearance, and rich color, giving the dish a beautiful exterior and longevity under the rough conditions of traditional kitchens and communal areas. The dish stands on an earthen floor to keep it at a distance from the ground and keep it steady in place that is uneven on the bottom.
This particular design has become a staple when the community gathers to feast or during ceremonial occasions when it is more often serving the food or offerings. The strong handle provides mobility, allowing the institution to carry the dish safely when full. Though the timber and proportions suggest quiet elegance, the robust and minimalist form of the dish reflects the Sema Naga penchant for strength and functionality above ornate detailing. For Sema culture, this piece is a reminder of the communal, self-reliant, and resourceful lifestyle in which such items signify each hand-made item of handiwork, which is rooted in generations of inherited skill and training in the knowledge of local materials.