This is an ancient cross bow that has been preserved in the Indian Museum, Kolkata. Somewhere in India, Nagaland, it is a hunting weapon of the Khiamniungan Naga tribe, one of the prime tribes of Nagaland. They are admired for their craftsmanship and hunting skills. For that reason, this crossbow was made by women for tracking and capturing the wild animals buried in the dense forests of the state.
The crossbow consists of a stave and a span around which plaited cane strips are skillfully wound. These strengthen the bow but also exhibit indigenous artistry. One of the most amazing features of the artifact is the trigger mechanism being made out of bone because the tribe then crafts its tools by utilizing naturally available materials.
Compact and powerful, this crossbow was the hunter's weapon. Besides having great accuracy and being silent, it also held cultural and symbolic importance in this tribe, reflecting the ideas of skill and masculinity, as well as survival.