This diamond shape beautifully handcrafted paperweight traces its lineages to the Santhal tribe in Jharkhand, one of the largest tribal communities in India, famed for its culture. Particularly beings close to nature and with symbolic craftsmanship, the Santhals often reflect their religious feelings and traditions into their objects of daily use. In the four-petal floral designs engraved on the dorsal surface of the paperweight, one sees symbols of the natural elements of harmony, balance, and growth-all of which are intricately woven into the Santhal way of life. The symmetry seen in the design shows an appreciation for form found in nature and an aesthetic sense of order. The ventral surface remains untouched- smooth and flat- providing stability, thus aiding functionality as a desktop item.
While strikingly simple, the paperweight displays tribal art where utility and cultural expression meet. Such artifacts would adorn desks in home, school, or village administration settings, holding down papers while expressing the tribe's connections to earth and its patterns. This particular piece serves as a testimony to the artistry of the indigenous Santhals, who have withstood the test of time to preserve their art form over generations. Objects such as these bear stories-some of life, struggle, survival, and dignity-into the life history of tribal communities, and therefore are preserved either in museums or collections.