How modern times are reflected in an ancient collection

The Naga are a mountain people living at the foot of the Himalayas who, after the British colonial era, are increasingly searching for their identity and reviving their traditional culture. At so-called “cultural events,” jewelry based on ancient designs is worn. The traditional form has been preserved, but the materials used are modern.

In this lecture, Christian Schicklgruber introduces the Naga and their history and explains why the collection at the Weltmuseum Wien is one of the world's most important collections on the Naga of northeast India. The most beautiful objects of their material culture revolve around headhunting, which was practiced until the middle of the 20th century. The basis of this collection is formed by objects collected by the Austrian ethnologist Christoph von Fürer-Haimendorf in the 1930s.

In the 2010s, several objects were purchased during field research as important additions to document the change or return to cultural tradition.

Christian Schicklgruber has been curator for South Asia for three decades now. Several trips have taken him to the Naga.

Lecture in German language.
To participate in the event, all guests need a valid museum ticket.
Participation is free for annual ticket holders, Weltmuseum Wien Friends, Patrons, Members and Ambassadors as well as ICOM members and holders of the Kulturpass.
Registration:  online (Link to follow)
Meeting point: WMW Forum