Description:

South Asia, Northeastern India, Nyishi people, ca. mid-20th century CE. A rare type of traditional men's hat known as a podum, woven from cane and rattan fiber into a hemispherical shape with a massive lower beak from a Great hornbill bird (Buceros bicornis), and presumably a foot from the same bird secured to the opposite side. A cotton cord is secured along the dome top and forms a loop under the horn - the strap would secure the wearer's hair which was bound up into a bun on their forehead. Warrior men wore podum caps to emulate the sacred hornbill - a massive and colorful bird with an iconic beak with a protuberance known as a casque. Size: 8" L x 6.5" W x 6.75" H (20.3 cm x 16.5 cm x 17.1 cm); 13.5" H (34.3 cm) on included custom stand.

Please note several states and countries prohibit the importation of materials from endangered species, this hat includes beak ivory from the Great Hornbill. Please check your country’s laws before bidding on this piece. We guarantee that the piece was made prior to 1973

Provenance: private Santa Fe, New Mexico USA collection

All items legal to buy/sell under U.S. Statute covering cultural patrimony Code 2600, CHAPTER 14, and are guaranteed to be as described or your money back.

A Certificate of Authenticity will accompany all winning bids.

We ship worldwide and handle all shipping in-house for your convenience.

#173923

  • Condition: Stable fissure on beak. Protective clear coating added to foot. Weaving is tight and intact. Overall excellent and choice condition.

Accepted Forms of Payment:

American Express, Discover, MasterCard, Visa

Shipping

Auction House will ship, at Buyer's expense

August 11, 2022 8:00 AM MDT
Louisville, CO, US

Artemis Fine Arts

You agree to pay a buyer's premium of 26.5% and any applicable taxes and shipping.

View full terms and conditions

Bid Increments
From: To: Increments:
$0 $299 $25
$300 $999 $50
$1,000 $1,999 $100
$2,000 $4,999 $250
$5,000 $9,999 $500
$10,000 $19,999 $1,000
$20,000 $49,999 $2,500
$50,000 $99,999 $5,000
$100,000 $199,999 $10,000
$200,000 + $20,000