Even though the Iron Spear of the Chang Naga Tribe, hailing from the Tuensang District of Nagaland, was traditionally a weapon imbued with ceremonial and cultural meanings, at present, it is reserved for use during the customary warrior dance or during cultural festivals and serves as an emblem of a people's heritage, their history of warrior ethos, and cultural significance rather than an act of defense or martial prowess. The spear for this warrior is a weapon made of wood and iron with a quite long wooden shaft to balance it with good reach. As bright as red goat's hair, wrapped around the western end of the shaft, adorns this spear. Red, or rather the color of a goat, in Naga culture symbolizes vitality, strength, and warrior spirit.
This ornamentation uplifts the glory of the spear as well as demonstrates the artistic tradition of the tribe in reverence to ceremonies. Moreover, the iron spearhead consists of a central ridge along one of its surfaces that would provide it, also, with a distinctive form besides structural reinforcement. This ridge may also have a symbolic purpose of what it could mean for the strength or readiness of a warrior. The spearhead, therefore, sharp and streamlined, reflects indigenous metalwork techniques at their best. The Iron Spear, which is no longer used in warfare, remains a powerful symbol of identity among the Chang Nagas. During festivals like Naknyulem, it is borne proudly by men performing traditional dances while reenacting the valor of their ancestors.