Zemanek-Münster

Body cloth of a successful warrior

India, Naga
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

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