Chest ornament
Only those who had either captured a head themselves or at least taken part in a successful headhunt were allowed to wear such a chest ornament. The level of commitment required varied from group to group. For some, mere presence was enough, for others, the fatal blow had to have been struck or the dead had to have at least been touched with the spear. Another possibility was that the proud owner of such an award had carried the head home.
Only those who had either captured a head themselves or at least taken part in a successful headhunt were allowed to wear such a chest ornament. The level of commitment required varied from group to group. For some, mere presence was enough, for others, the fatal blow had to have been struck or the dead had to have at least been touched with the spear. Another possibility was that the proud owner of such an award had carried the head home.
Collector:
Christoph von Fürer-Haimendorf (1909 Wien - 1995 London) DNB
Culture
Naga / Konyak
Material/technology:
wood, conch, wool, fibre
Copyright
Weltmuseum Wien
Collection area
South Asia, Southeast Asia, Himalayas
Invs.
126727
