This is a bamboo vessel of the Naga tribe in Nagaland, which is a well-known region for its beautiful tribal art and deep-rooted craft. It is hollow bamboo made into a cylindrical shape, with designs engraved in the upper rim that demonstrate the Naga's art of mixing utility and artistry.
For everyday life, this would probably have had a variety of functions, such as holding liquids, grains, or fermenting beverages. Bamboo is abundant here, and so this is also not only a very eco-friendly resource but also has very deep cultural values for the Nagas, which are used in everyday and ritualistic contexts.
Although simple, these engraved decorative motifs give the vessel a distinctive character and may indicate tribal motifs or nature-inspired designs. Such decorations turn mere utilitarian objects into something of cultural identity. These nuanced artistic elements reflect their connectivity to the environment and the tendency of the tribe to inscribe symbolism into their everyday objects.