The Angami Naga tribe, who live in the hills of Nagaland, is defined by its rich culture and excellent artistry. The dao holder, among many other traditional artifacts, plays the central role of the daily life of the Angami waiting through the close tie that the tribe has with its tools and the surroundings.The dao holder is an all-wood product. It serves to just sheath the dao, a knife that is used to perform agricultural operations and for woodwork and security purposes. The functional yet impressive design of the Angami dao holder speaks volumes concerning the tribe's resources. It is well carved to accommodate the shape of the dao and protect the blade when not in use.
What makes the Angami dao holder unique is the addition of jute rope which is tied to the side of the holder on both sides. The rope facilitates slinging the holder over the shoulder or tying it around the waist for carrying convenience but provides an organic texture and rustic look to the object. For the Angami people, it emphasizes their life sustainability and harmony with nature using jute as locally available and biodegradable material. There is the simplicity of this wooden dao holder, but it symbolizes more than just functionality-it serves as a token of the intangible tradition, craftsmanship, and cultural identity among the community passed from the older to the younger generations among the Angami Naga.