The traditional wooden adze called "Kechia" from Nagaland's Naga Tribe and situated in Kolkata's Indian Museum displays the practical knowledge and craft skills of a tribe who are reputed in woodwork and tool-making.
The adze's long wooden handle is finely shaped for grip and utility. One side of the handle is flat with a rectangular perforation forged for the iron or stone blade to fit into. After insertion, the blade sets at a right angle to the handle to allow vigorous downward strokes for the slicing or hollowing of wood. The adze differentiates itself from an axe through this placement angle and becomes ideal for smoothing large surfaces of wood while making canoes or creating household items.
In traditional Naga societies, the adze is basic within the environment because forest resources were turned into tools for everyday use with the indigenous skills handed to them for generations.