Body cloth of a successful warrior · India, Naga · ID: 3034093
sold
EUR 650
Size
B: 144,5 cm
H: 103 cm
B: 56.9 inch
H: 40.6 inch
Description
dark brown cotton, three panels, cowrie shells, slightly dam., small holes, mended in some places;
the circles of cowrie shells are a reference to feasts of merit which the owner has hosted, or they symbolize the shining stars in the sky during a nightly raid, or the moon and thus female fertility. The stylized human figure indicates the owners success in head-taking. Today the cloths are reserved for distinguished members of society and for cultural groups performing traditional head-hunting dances.
Comparing literature
Kunz, Richard, Naga, Basel 2008, p. 103, ill. 125