Dimapur and Kohima are the two important wood carving centres of Nagaland. The carved wooden objects of Nagaland are ritualistic and functional in purpose. Strictly a male craft, it is ceremonial and ritualistic art related to the fertility cult. The carving of human figures, elephants, pythons, hornbills etc are etched high into the pillars of morung or bachelor’s dormitory. House posts, gates, drums, husking troughs, grave effigies are all carved elaborately. Simple wooden utensils like food dishes, spoons and mugs are crafted for daily usage. The speciality here is no joints in the objects manufactured. All the objects are made out of single piece of wood.
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