A Nagaland Grain Measure

A rustic wooden grain measure from the Assam region of eastern India.  The piece features gently curved ends and a central wooden handle, allowing it to be carried or used to portion grain. The rich, time-darkened surface bears the marks of age and use—small nicks, worn edges, and a deep patina that speaks to generations of use. Objects such as this were once essential tools in agrarian communities across Northeast India, where they served as measuring containers for rice and other staple grains during harvest, storage, and trade. Today, these utilitarian forms are appreciated for their sculptural simplicity and honest craftsmanship.