The primordial walking stick engraved with the Native Chang Naga tribe's history, culture, and artistry is from Tuensang district of Nagaland in northwestern India. It forms part of the collection from the Chang tribe, which is one of the recognized Naga tribes, rich in folklore, deep wood craftsmanship, and a traditional value base that regards ancestral reverence. The stick is lightweight on a bent base, supportive and also serves as a design appeal. Among the holding parts of the stick is the ground-standing human figure. The figure is depicted in an apron standing with folded hands, a gesture that signifies greeting, humility, or reverence-which are essential virtues among Chang Nagas.
But apart from use, walking sticks usually served as status symbols, especially for elders, warriors, or heads of tribes. The stick serves as proof of the talents the tribe possess in terms of carving. It shows what the tribe places great value on creating stories with objects used in everyday life. The apron-clad figure may indicate the traditional attire, thus linking the object to the tribe's identity and customs. It is a walking stick with a huge purpose-way beyond just function. In this case, the story goes with this baton-an on-the-go narrative that's equal parts respect, spiritual symbolism, and artistic pride of the Chang Naga community.