This effigy is an artpiece created by the Santal tribe, which is known for its roots in artistic traditions and nature-inspired craftsmanship. Now, this particular effigy is to be found in the Indian Museum, Kolkata, and is a prototype of the Santals merging their art with utility.
It is made from indigenous materials, cut out in the form of a stylized peacock, having well-raised tail feathers elaborately engraved with geometric and floral motifs. These engravings are not purely ornamental, but also capture symbolic aspects of tribal cosmology. The most interesting thing about this effigy is that it has been constructed with four holes at the top of the raised tail-feathers which act as holes for inserting incense sticks-a rare example in art, where the idea of spirit utility is merged with aesthetic expression. The peacock's body, on the whole, is smallish full, its neck almost absent thereby throwing into play an ornamental aspect of the tail and of the very sharply defined wings. Beak pointed, contributes to the elegant posture of the bird. In tribal culture, beauty, pride and the connection with divine forces are a symbol of the peacock; therefore, it is quite pertinent to use it for such ceremonial occasions.