The Mithun's Horn Mug is a beautifully designed traditional drinking vessel and ceremonial drinking vessel of the Rongmei Naga tribe, one of the most important Naga tribal communities within the state of Manipur. This unique artifact demonstrates the skills of the Rongmei people as well as their firm belief in their interaction with the environment, more so using resources such as the mithun, which is revered as a semi-domesticated bovine species in Naga culture. The mug is made from polished mithun horn and is given a shape that is either conic or curved to hold liquids. Its body bears intricately woven cane strips forming geometric patterns that improve the visual beauty of the mug and define its traditional motifs that are of importance to Rongmei culture. These patterns may signify different cultural aspects such as tribal identity, nature, or community life.
This horn mug can be easily distinguished by its long cane strip handle, which is firmly appended to the body of the mug. This handle gives functionality, besides being ornamental, as it can be hung from the neck for easy carrying when it is not in use. The primary pot of such vessels is used to drink rice beer or other names like "zutho" and synonymous terms throughout the Naga tribes during different festivities, feasts, and other important social occasions. The mug then symbolizes hospitality and the ties that bind societies. As of now, exhibits of the traditional mug are preserved at various museums including the Indian Museum, Kolkata, thereby reminiscing the material culture of the Rongmei Naga tribe.