Important Notice

Wood

20th century
Konyak, Nagaland

Height: 30.5 in (77.5 cm)
Width: 8 in (20 cm)
Depth: 7 in (17.5 cm)


For the Naga tribals of North East India, identity has always been closely tied to the warrior culture. Naga tribals practiced head-hunting till the early 1940s, and many of their wooden sculptures of warriors brandishing shotguns and 'daos' (the local machete-like swords) represent ancestors and heroes who made their name in head-hunting. In this sculpture, a head-hunter holds a 'dao' up in his right hand and a severed head in his left. Along with the traditional Naga headgear, ear ornaments and armlets, he also wears a skull on a string of beads around his neck.


Wood

20th century
Konyak, Nagaland

Height: 30.5 in (77.5 cm)
Width: 8 in (20 cm)
Depth: 7 in (17.5 cm)


For the Naga tribals of North East India, identity has always been closely tied to the warrior culture. Naga tribals practiced head-hunting till the early 1940s, and many of their wooden sculptures of warriors brandishing shotguns and 'daos' (the local machete-like swords) represent ancestors and heroes who made their name in head-hunting. In this sculpture, a head-hunter holds a 'dao' up in his right hand and a severed head in his left. Along with the traditional Naga headgear, ear ornaments and armlets, he also wears a skull on a string of beads around his neck.