The Iron Dao is undoubtedly among the most favourite of all traditional weapons among the Naga tribe, one of the indigenous communities of Nagaland and adjacent areas in Northeast India. The martial heritage and particularly high level of craftsmanship of the Nagas have caused them to use daos mainly for agricultural work, but also for warfare, subsequently making using the tool an indispensable part of their lives. Such an iron dao does not have a standard design. The broad upper end of its blade is slightly convex giving it some weight and balance while cutting. Gradually decrease to the blade toward the lower part, which is usually for precision and allows effective slicing or hacking.
Slightly curved along the cutting edge is a common characteristic among Naga daos, and is intended for multipurpose usage like clearing undergrowth in forests, chopping timber or as a close combat weapon. The blade is secured in a wooden handle giving a good grip. A bulge near the lower part of the handle improves hold and prevents slippage. Also, the base of the handle is flat and almost round, allowing the weapon to sit comfortably in a user's hand while increasing control. Thus, it represents probably the best work of the Naga tribes in metallurgy and woodworking - one that appears yet serves fine utility within an elegant simplicity. Such tools, suched today, remain nothing short of symbols of Naga identity, endurance, and systems of traditional knowledge.