A very typical wooden plate of the Chakhesang Naga tribes in Nagaland, India, it is a good example of the utilitarian craftsmanship of this tribe. The plate is carved out from a single wood piece and gives a circular shape, shallow in depth; and has four bent legs under it, which lifts the plate from the ground, contributing both to its structural stability and nature. The four legs have both functional and cultural meanings. It raises the plate, thereby keeping the contents of the plate clean and safe from dirt and uneven surfaces, which are especially relevant in traditional homes, this being true even today, with earthen floors. Culturally, elevated serving vessels usually denote respect given to food and ritual importance, especially on festive occasions or ceremonial meals.
This shallow bowl form makes it an ideal receptacle for distributing typical Nagas' dry or semi-dry accompaniments, such as conventional smoked meats boiled vegetables with sticky rice. The austere lack of decorative ornamentation also speaks for the minimalist aesthetics of the Chakhesang people, which are form-utility and the inherent beauty of the wood grain. This kind of object is usually handcrafted from local hardwoods-the art traditionally handed down through generations. Being Chakhesang, whose big reputation lies in wood carving and basketry, his people normally function intertwining artistry in daily life.