Traditionally rice-pounding benches are commonly used in the Ao Naga's daily and ceremonial activities. Carved out of a single piece, the rectangular bench rests on short, untapered pedestal bases with flat, plain bottoms for stability in use. An interesting detail about this model is the two circular grooves carved into the upper surface of the bench. These depressions represent where rice grains were placed before being pounded with wooden pestles. The existence of double grooves suggests simultaneous use by two persons, thereby making it more efficient during community food preparation or during festivals.
Such a type of bench finds ready utility in any Ao Naga household, especially in the rural set-up, where rice remains one of the staple foods. Besides its usefulness, the bench is a symbol of the labor and cultural unity of the Ao people. Rice-pounding is often a communal activity involving people from a household or village; thus, the bench is an instrument for strengthening social ties. Such wooden tools are usually hand-carved from local hardwood, representing the lifestyle of self-reliance and skill developed by the Ao tribe over the years.