Warrior's ceremonial headdress ·  India, Naga · ID: 3034439

Description

conical bonnet, two layers (network of rotan and orchid stem), crest of red dyed wild goat’s hair, two boar tusks, slightly dam.;
written sources reveal that before the Pax Britannica the Naga 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.

Comparing literature

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