The shape of the wooden pipe is solemnly indicative of indigenous beauty and smoking traditions practiced by the Phom Naga tribe. Though housed in the Indian Museum, Kolkata, much of this pipe's importance lies in its cultural heritage rather than being a functional object.
This wooden tobacco pipe represents an elaborately carved figure of a seated man. From the symbolic perspective, the bowl of the pipe is attached with an engraving of a human face. Further enhancing the aesthetics of this artifact, the carved figure is shown wearing a painted t-shirt and black half-pants. The mouth of the pipe is decorated with cane strips, a common adornment in traditional Naga designs.
Among the Phom Naga tribe, ritual and social smoking accompany ceremonial gatherings and the oral traditions of storytelling. The finely carved objects demonstrate the woodcarving skills and artistic creativity of the tribe.
To this day, such handcrafted smoking implements are vital to the identity of the Phom Naga and display their strong ties to tradition and craft.