Naga tribes in Nagaland, a community with a rich warrior culture and excellent craftsmanship. This horn is an indigenous functional art form exemplifying the utility and symbolism for tribal life and survival.
This curved horn of horn is made with a gripping handle encased in finely wound cane strips, demonstrating the tribe's unique knowledge of natural materials. Near the handle are some decorative tufts of animal hair that reflect traditional aesthetic notions and tribal identity. Besides some defects near the narrow and wide ends, the piece stands in striking ambience as an object of utility intertwined with reason and symbolism. These horns were indispensable lending accessories to several hunters and warriors and were oftentimes worn with pride during wars or ceremonies.
The use of horn, cane, and animal hair in this piece celebrates the Naga tribespeople's unique bond with nature: everything made becomes relevant in terms of its functionality and culture. Thus this horn becomes other than a simple container but a socio-cultural representation of the Naga life: self-sustained, sustainable, and artistic.
Verrier Elwin, The Nagas in the Nineteenth Century
Anthropological Survey of India