The Dao of the Chang Naga Tribe, an indigenous people of the Tuensang district of Nagaland, is a traditional tool representing the tribe's rich cultural heritage and craftsmanship. While particularly popular among many different Naga tribes, the Chang ones are different because of a unique functional design and idiosyncratic ornamentation. The dao is made of two main parts-the blade and the handle. The blade is wrought iron, straight with sharpened almost to one edge for cutting wood, clearing fields, or preparing meat, while the remaining edge carries some bluntness to afford stability balance while in use. The blade fits into the handle, secured by a brass ferrule that also serves as an understated metallic accent.
The handle is further ornamented with the traditional plaiting with cane strips, crafted, accurate to tradition, to enhance grip and looks. Cane work is a very popular craft among the Chang Nagas, and its application to dao handles is a celebration of their artistic talent and love for natural materials. Though primarily a tool and weapon for survival in daily life, the dao also holds particular cultural significance and is carried during ceremonies, festivities, and traditional dances. It stands for survival as much as it does for identity, strength, and tribal pride.