Description:

South Asia, India / Burma border, Nagaland, Chang Naga, ca. mid-20th century CE. A warrior shawl known as a "moh nei" made from a hand-woven cotton cloth with taupe stripes over a dark indigo ground. The red rectangles made from dyed dog hair are added at regular intervals and are only visible on the face side of the fabric. Cowrie shells are attached as talismans to ward off evil and promote immortality, the circles represent human heads, and the figures are fallen enemies. This was worn as a mantle by warriors as a prestige item and "feast-giver" status. These cloths symbolize accomplishments of the wearer and someone who has taken more than 6 trophy heads in battle. Interestingly the stick figures are a replacement, there are faint outlines and needle holes that show circles made from cowrie shells were removed to make room for the figures. Size: 61.5" L x 41" W (156.2 cm x 104.1 cm)

Provenance: Cultural Patina Gallery, Burke, Virginia, USA

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#188219

  • Condition: Old repair with stiches over a hole, and a few small perforations. Minor staining and surface discoloration. Missing some red hair fibers. Velcro added along the verso edge and corners.

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September 19, 2024 8:00 AM MDT
Louisville, CO, US

Artemis Fine Arts

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