The brass handmade figure of a dog sitting is of cultural value to the Khonds, a significant tribe among the indigenous people widely found living in the state of Odisha in India. It is beautifully carved, with a bent little tail, and over the whole body, small square designs dot beautifully showcasing the distinctive style of the tribe and fine craftsmanship. The brass dog figure, according to the belief of the Khond tribal community, is a true oneness of form and function. It is a wedding gift according to tradition denoting guardianship, fidelity, and the safety of the bride and groom-these are the most important ingredients for a successful marriage. Dogs are revered in many tribal cultures as protectors and companions who improve human lives; the Khonds not only value these qualities but also immortalize them through artistic representations.
The brass dog figure is cast by the tribe through metal and lost wax, which indicate their expertise and knowledge of metallurgy and art techniques. It is commonly referred to in the locality as dhokra and has been in practice for generations now and is considered strong and of earthly beauty. They are close to nature, the Khonds (or Kondhs, Kandhs), with their ritual activities and distinct material culture. This brass dog and other related objects serve to function simultaneously as important markers of culture while having a ceremonial function to sustain the heritage and worldview of the tribe.