Diamond-shaped paperweights, exhibiting exquisite craftsmanship, belong to the Santhal tribe of Jharkhand, a community known for its colorful cultural heritage and artisan crafts. Carved from an entire mass, this object is utilitarian but endowed with fine art joining the symbolic natural relationship with the Santhal community. Two peacocks are engraved on the back of the paperweight; peacocks are emblematic of grace and beauty and are also considered to be auspicious in tribal folklore. The peacock symbol is carved on both opposite sides, representing balance and harmony-the prime values of Santhal cosmology. The floral patterns on the other two sides balance the peacock carvings, expressing respect for nature and its resources.
Functional objects like these become an expression and proclamation of tribal identity. The symmetrical designs and intricate detailing display the Santhal community's traditional craftsmanship in hand-engraving and their aesthetic sensibility, even in the most ordinary of objects. The paperweight may have served to hold together loose papers, be they domestic or ritual documents within a commune, somehow blending artistry and functionality. This piece is an example of the way tribal artisans weave meaning and identity into truly functional objects, and it allows us a glimpse into the philosophy, artistry, and tradition of the Santhals in a single handcrafted object.