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THBIndian Naga Traditional Headhunter Warrior Garb & Axe
About Seller
686 S Taylor Ave, Ste 106
Louisville, CO 80027
United States
Selling antiquities, ancient and ethnographic art online since 1993, Artemis Gallery specializes in Classical Antiquities (Egyptian, Greek, Roman, Near Eastern), Asian, Pre-Columbian, African / Tribal / Oceanographic art. Our extensive inventory includes pottery, stone, metal, wood, glass and textil...Read more
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About Auction
LiveMar 9, 2023
Artemis Gallery info@artemisgallery.com
View Full Catalog (413)
- Lot Description
**First Time At Auction**
*This item is oversized. Please inquire about shipping prior to bidding*
South Asia, India / Burma border, Nagaland, Naga people, ca. mid-20th century CE. An entire ceremonial outfit for a Naga male warrior / headhunter, including clothing, jewelry, and weapons! Starting with the headdress- a conical rattan woven cap with hornbill feathers and a crest of horsehair, attached boars’ tusks, and beaded ornaments ending in feathers to the sides. Draped over the shoulders is a woven textile shawl with cowrie shell appliques, and around the neck is a beaded necklace and brass head pendant. On the waist is a cowrie covered waist cloth and a brass medallion belt disc. Completing the ensemble is an iron dao axe blade attached to a feather covered handle -a classic headhunter weapon. The garments are displayed on a mannequin as an impressive display piece perfect for professional education or museum quality collections. Size: 42" W x 88" H (106.7 cm x 223.5 cm)
The Naga people are a combination of tribes in northeastern India and northwestern Burma known for their artistry, particularly when it comes to jewelry. During special rituals on their calendar, men and women dress in ceremonial clothing and ornaments, including stunning necklaces, headdresses, and clothing. The brass face pendant symbolizes a trophy head and the hair atop the conical headdress is representative of headhunter status. The belt disc is also a high birth status symbol as well as serving as protection for the groin area. The amount of cowrie shells also imbues power to the cloth - the more shells and intricate ornamentation / arrangement, the higher the status as well as sexual prowess. Although headhunting was banned under British colonial rule, headhunting practices continued into the mid-20th century and wearing such garments today are now associated with the scarifies of mithun cows which only the wealthy Naga can afford to raise, and cultural pride.
Please note that this piece is a dropship item, meaning that it will be shipping from the consignor’s location. All information regarding condition, size, stone identification, and metal content have been provided by the consignor.
Provenance: private Hawaii collection, acquired 2000 to 2010
All items legal to buy/sell under U.S. Statute covering cultural patrimony Code 2600, CHAPTER 14, and are guaranteed to be as described or your money back.
A Certificate of Authenticity will accompany all winning bids.
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#177380Condition
Excellent, as shown.
- Shipping Info
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