This circular wooden plate with an ornamented edge and a supporting stand is a beautiful handicraft from the Angami Naga tribe in Nagaland, India. It has been carved carefully from one solid piece of wood representing the Angami people and their deep-rooted tradition of functional artistry, emphasizing their skill with the use of natural materials. The edge of the plate is ornamented with carved designs, likely of tribal motifs or symbolic connotations passed as legacy from the generations gone by. These embellishments enhance its beauty while bringing out the cultural significance of such mundane objects.
With the added presence of a stand, this object would have served practically, but it also indicates some ceremonial functions such as showing food offerings or other important items during festivals and gatherings. Angami artisans are recognized for their simple but expressive designs and the use of local hardwoods and traditional tools. Such plates are not mass-produced but are produced in small batches with time, usually within the confines of family workshops or local settings. Each is thus an individual statement in its own right, amalgamating functionality, symbolism, and aesthetic sense. In the Angami context, objects such as this plate also testify to identity, tradition, and respect for the environment. Thus, this plate bears testimony to the continuing artistic tradition of the Angami tribe.