Warrior's ceremonial headdress ·  India, Naga · ID: 3032516

Description

conical headdress of plaited rotan with a crest of red dyed goat’s hair across the parting, adorned with boar tusk, red and yellow orchid stem, the second boar tusk missing;
beside the decorative function many of these elements have a symbolic value: red-tinted goat’ s hair conveys the idea of strength, blood and fire capable of destroying enemy villages. The hornbill feather is a symbol of beauty and strength, while the boar tusks are symbols of courage and power.

Comparing literature

Somaré Grata, Vigorelli, Leonardo, The Nagas, Bergamo 1992, p. 32