A beautifully made bamboo cup by the Nagas of Nagaland, India, northeast. Traditionally made of a bamboo segment and has one end closed by a natural node acting as the base to which the oblong opening, facilitating sipping and with a handle formed by a thin bamboo strip, has been attached for easy use and portability.The outer surface is decorated by black painted designs, mostly geometric or nature oriented, but are an extension of the tribal aesthetic and signify a connection the Nagas have with their environment. The use of organics and fine detailing accentuates their proficiency in bamboo craftsmanship, a hallmark of Naga material culture.
Occasionally, this cup was used for drinking water, rice beer (locally called Zutho), or herbal brews during festivals and community celebrations. This cup generally served an instrumental purpose, but it forged an idea of hospitality and traditions placed before guests during congregational feasts and ceremonial events. The very existence of this cup speaks volumes about the ecological lifestyle of the Naga who uses bamboo as an indigenous raw material for constructing functional and eco-friendly household articles. The design underlies functionality, tradition, and itself being attuned to the consideration for the environment. Now this bamboo cup is included in the collection of the Indian Museum, Kolkata to represent a cultural way of being of the Naga people-their lifestyle, craftsmanship, and respect for nature