Description:

Central Asia, India, Naga peoples, ca. early to mid 20th century CE. A gorgeous necklace with three strands comprised of dozens of glass beads in hues of sapphire, pearl, and tangerine, with two oblong, crimson-hued spheres separating the midpoints of each side. The primary element of this accessory is a set of four contiguous, cast-bronze trophy heads, each displaying almond eyes, prominent noses, and vertically-striated lips indicative of being sewn shut. A pair of red trapezoidal beads dangle from the ears of the exterior heads, and a white tubular bead caps their outer ends. Trophy heads are quite symbolic in Naga iconography as they are believed to imbue the wearer with prosperity, hunting prowess, health, and fertility. Both men and women were known to wear such bronze heads, though men oftentimes displayed a greater quantity depending on how many enemy heads they had taken in battle. A beautiful and wearable example! Size (necklace): 19" L (48.3 cm); size (one head): 1.2" W x 1.5" H (3 cm x 3.8 cm).

Provenance: private Eason Eige collection, Albuquerque, New Mexico, USA

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#131227

  • Condition: Wearable as shown. Age-commensurate surface wear, light fading and deposits on beading and string elements, with small nicks to some beads, otherwise intact and excellent. Glass bottle for photography purposes only.

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February 15, 2018 8:00 AM MST
Louisville, CO, US

Artemis Fine Arts

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