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Head trophy

For the Naga, a head trophy was no longer just a part of a deceased person. Rather, it was transformed into an object of the highest socio-cultural value in the course of elaborate ceremonies. However, at the time when headhunting was still practised, the Naga themselves had an ambivalent relationship to this practice: for them, it was both a ritual joy and a painful fate. From today's Baptist perspective, it is considered a "satanic visitation".

For the Naga, a head trophy was no longer just a part of a deceased person. Rather, it was transformed into an object of the highest socio-cultural value in the course of elaborate ceremonies. However, at the time when headhunting was still practised, the Naga themselves had an ambivalent relationship to this practice: for them, it was both a ritual joy and a painful fate. From today's Baptist perspective, it is considered a "satanic visitation".

Collector:
Christoph von Fürer-Haimendorf (1909 Wien - 1995 London) DNB

Object Name
Kopf

Culture
Nagaland

Material/technology:
Menschenschädel, Holz, Gras

Copyright
Weltmuseum Wien

Invs.
126826