The Khiamniungan Naga Tribe, the Tobacco Box with a Lid is an embodiment of their woodcraft and culture. One of the most common forms of such lacings is rectangular. This tobacco box is hollowed out of wood and designed for keeping that precious stuff safe.
Its uniqueness lies mainly with the present dimension of this tobacco box, its almost circular lid snugly fitting upon the general structure. The ventral surface of the box has four such small holes, two in the box proper and two in a lid, which might be serving as a fastening mechanism to keep the lid in place.
People observe that the Khiamniungan Naga Tribe is also a resident of Nagaland, stretching toward parts of Myanmar, with proven skills in wood carving. Traditionally this tobacco box was used by elder and the warrior, denoting wisdom and status. Not only were smoking and tobacco storage habits, but also rituals, ceremonies, and storytelling.
Preserved at the Indian Museum, Kolkata, is this handcrafted wooden tobacco box, a reflection of the environment-friendly craftsmanship developed by the Naga folk, where raw materials are transformed into functional and artistic objects. It symbolizes the heritage of the tribe and their ability to blend utility with aesthetics.