Wood carving with an object as an owl is a classic tribal artisanship expressing deeply symbolic and spiritual representations of the Sutradhar tribe. It has been cut from a single piece of wood into this owl which has a round and flat face endowed with human-like eyes, creating a mystical and all-knowing appeal. It stands on a half moon presented pedestal, giving it a feeling of reverence and being settled. The Sutradhar, an indigenous tribe of the West Bengal states of India. The narrator or storyteller; they are famed for elaborate wood crafts used in temple folk arts and for domestic items. The animal that symbolizes wisdom and mystery among many indigenous belief systems-in most cases- relating to eastern Indian tribes is the owl and so considered a defender of the spiritual world. In terms of Hindu tradition, it identifies an association with the goddess Lakshmi, as she has her vahna (vehicle) identified with, and alertness through prosperity symbolized by an owl.
The human-like features of the owl in this carving may suggest an attempt to endow it with anthropomorphic traits, allowing for an entry point between the human and spiritual or animal domains. The semi-circular basis of the present statue not only is functional but is considered an aesthetic enhancement of the owl's sculptural impact. Most likely, this piece of art used to be functional for beautiful decorative or ritualistic
placement in the home or community hall to repel injury and protect one's soul. Such artifacts nowadays exist as an ethnographic collection in museums, including the Indian Museum, Kolkata, showcasing Sutradhar artistic heritage.