The Saumbur is a traditional gourd container made by the Mizo tribe of Mizoram, one indigenous group amongst others who have a long-standing tradition of coexisting with nature and resourceful craftsmanship. The Mizo have depended on their environment for organic and sustainable materials for ages, and the Saumbur is a perfect example of environmentally sound living.The container is made out of the dried and hollowed gourd, which naturally provided for a bulbous and smooth-bodied body, well-suited for retaining liquids like water or locally fermented drinks. The gourd container is closed at the mouth with a wooden cork in order to secure the contents.
An architectural beauty is the elaborate cane work. The base is supported by a cane pedestal, and the neck is surrounded by a twisted cane ring, all held tightly together with flat cane strips for tensile strength and aesthetic appeal. The cane handle that has been added facilitates transport and hanging of the container, a practical characteristic that reflects the Mizo's mobile lifestyle considering the hilly terrain they reside in. Apart from being a functional item, the container is a work of art and an integral part of the Mizo culture. The container is proof of the skills of its makers and sustainable use of local resources by the Mizo people. The design is simple yet functional, in adherence to the Mizo way of life, which emphasizes equilibrium with nature.