An iron dao is a traditional sword carried by the Kalyo-Kenyu tribe of Nagaland, who are considered a tribe with a plethora of marial culture and very fine craftsmanship in weaponry.Literally a sword, it has a long iron blade forming a designed socket with a wooden grip that satisfies aesthetics with utilitarianism. The cutting edge is slightly convex so that an effective curve is maintained for slicing, while the broad top has somewhat of a concave surface tapering down towards a narrow end, going a long way as both a cutter of vegetation and a useful tool during hunting or combat.
The socket connecting the blade to the handle is also often designed or engraved in detail, showcasing the tribal artisan's abilities and sometimes bearing symbols of spiritual significance. The handle is made of a very hard wood that allows grip and control. In Naga tribal societies, a dao is much more than a tool; rather, it performs cultural, ceremonial, and sometimes status-symbol functions. Among the Kalyo-Kenyu, a dao could be carried on feasts, festivals, or headhunting expeditions, symbolizing valor and readiness. The design traced on the blade of a dao represents centuries of refinement and evolution in tool making as applicable to different terrains and multifarious purposes. Traditional weapons of this type are viewed today as ethnographic artifacts liable to shed more light on the tribal life, warfare, and craftsmanship of Northeast India.