This small circular wooden plate is an item that is traditionally used in the Angami Naga tribe of Nagaland in India. It has been skilfully carved out of wood into a single piece, and it is a true representation of deeply intended craftsmanship and judicious input of natural materials on the part of the Angami people. The design is simple and minimalistic, reflecting the identity of a tribe that is more traditional concerned with the usefulness of items rather than their aesthetics. The circular shape and small size of the plate imply its purpose: food intended for a single serving, as in small amounts of rice, meat, or boiled vegetables-the essentials in Angami diet.
These would have been used in everyday situations as well as ritual occasions, especially when traditional conditions were such that wood created most things in the kitchen. Creating such an artifact requires knowledge of the hardwoods found locally, skillful use of carving tools, and an understanding of proportion and form. It is finished extremely smooth and seamless, implying the kind of refinement honed over generations of passed techniques. This wooden plate is an object of utility in Angami culture, which, apart from being a tool, carries cultural identity. They reflect the sustainable practices of the tribe, self-sufficiency, and reverence for nature. Such single block wooden products are highly prized for their durability and symbolic unity.