Ceremonial headdress of a warrior ·  India, Naga · ID: 3035103

Description

conical rising bonnet of rattan plait, coated with a fine wickerwork of red dyed orchid bast and set with two boar tusks, crest of red dyed goat hair across the parting, slightly dam., (orchid bast loosened in some places);
written sources reveal that before the Pax Britannica the Nagas used heavy war helmets made of bamboo which actually functioned as a means of defence. The English later discouraged the incessant tribal feuds which led to the substitution of these heavy helmets with lighter ones like the present one. These headdresses, whose sole objective is to convey the idea of combat readiness and pride in warfare, are worn only on ceremonial occasions.