The fish-shaped paperweight is an age-old functional item whose creation reflects the artistic brilliance of the Santal tribes of Odisha and their deep association with nature. The fish-shaped paperweight underlines the Santal people's expertise in stone carving and their deep reverence for nature, where fish are positive symbols of life, fertility, and water-considered critical elements for the tribe's agricultural and spiritual practice. The fish design has been intricately detailed, with engraved scales on the surface, allowing for texture and realism. On the sides and from the top of the fish’s body, the fins are distinguishable, giving it a natural look along with their intricate detailing. These features depict flow just like the fish is swimming, lending life and vigor to its design.
Engraved details of the fish with the opening of the eyes and mouth breathe life into the fish figurine with intrinsically expressive details, indicative of the ardency of the Santal artisans. Such intricacies add to the personalization of the motif, enhancing its symbolic attributes. The flat bottom of the paperweight provides stability on a surface, while the upper part is slightly rounded with soft lines, following the natural curve of a fish. This paperweight is made of stone, making it not only useful but also an appealing representation of the Santal tribe's craftsmanship and their relationship with the world that surrounds them. This fish-shaped paperweight conveys the cultural values and artistic traditions of the Santal tribes of Odisha, in an instance where practicality is imbued with signification.