A bamboo spike fashioned by the Naga tribe presents an instance of time-honored indigenous defense implements, crafted entirely from locally available materials and skillfully done with a strategic intent. The Nagas, being an assemblage of warrior clans inhabiting the steep rise of Nagaland, and partly the northeastern area of India, have a long tradition of making weapons and tools meant for utility and fighting. The particular piece is a bunch of twelve bamboo spikes, each hammer-hewn and enlightened on one end. Drawing down in long and narrow dimensions, being steep angled at the sharpest end, the spikes could be laid in traps for defense of territory, and once in a while for hunting.
Being naturally tough, resilient, and lightweight, bamboo made for the best material for the manufacture of the spikes, especially in areas with dense forests, such as were found on the Naga Hills. They were used in all forms of forest warfare- setting them in concealed pits or paths to combat intruders, enemies, or wild animals. Such active defense tactics were markers of guerrilla warfare, embodying a deep understanding of the territory of the Naga's. Sometimes bamboo spikes were also used in parades or ceremonial occasions or in training young warriors in techniques of defense. These bamboo spikes may seem simple, but they evoke ingenuity of the Naga tribe, changing nature's gifts to usable tools for survival, safety, and cultural therapy.