This tern sculpture carved from stone beautifully symbolizes the Santhal tribe, one of the largest and world's strong tribal communities of Jharkhand. The Santhal enjoys a lively cultural heritage whose roots are found in nature with myths about their old ancestors and is representative of their art. This sculpture has a beautifully curved neck with a highly decorated body and broad wings. One can feel the essence of the swan-a bird most commonly associated with pureness and spiritual symbolism, within its vivid outlines. A very unusual characteristic is the absence of a beak; instead, there is a round hole that probably helps keep incense or oil during ritualistic acts. The flat-base indicates that it was meant for stable positioning probably in household shrines or in a ceremonial space.
In Jharkhand today, the traditional craft techniques have been sustained and continued by the Santhal community among whom woodwork, metalwork, and stone carving have included the swan motifs. The most significant in the tribal iconography is the number of motifs of swans because they embody peace, transition, and spiritual awakening. The use of local stone has a strong emphasis on durability and, most importantly, fastens the connection of the artwork to the land and environment of Jharkhand. The sculpture is not a mere decorative object but truly a mirror that reflects Santhal cosmology, the ritual life of Santhal, and, at the same time, displays the crafting skill that encompasses the whole culture of Jharkhand.