An "owl," whose very peculiar position in the Indian system of symbols is as a carved wooden representation by the Indian Sutradhar of Assam. Also demonstrating carving from a single block, the owl is representative of the skill and artistry for which the Sutradhar craftsmen are famous The head, face, legs, and wings are strongly marked, so the owl carving is at once simplified and naturalistic. Putting an alert expression and posture evokes associations of wisdom, vigilance, and mystery. It rests on a uniquely rhomboidally shaped pedestal, which adds to the aesthetics and supportive roles.

In innumerable Indian traditions, the owl is in fact the vahana (animal) to Goddess Lakshmi of prosperity, protection, or intuition. Sutradhar carvers who are popular for tying the mythological tradition with woodwork craft these symbolic fauna mostly into their ornamentations and thus preserve an interrelationship between nature, spirituality, and tribal artistry. Such figures are usually intended for religious purposes; within the festivals, during performances, as well as spiritual decoration in traditional homes and sacred places. The crude piece of wood with its minimal design also reflects the eco-oriented perspective and respect for living world; thus the tribe keeps it.And so this sculpture is very well apt to represent the artistic heritage of the Sutradhar tribe thus keeping the traditional beliefs alive through an ancient craft.