Description:

South Asia, India / Burma border, Nagaland, Naga culture, ca. late 20th century CE. An interesting wood carving like a totem pole with a pair of skeletal heads resting upon a flared base with a pair of large horns protruding from the top. The upper horns are likely from a buffalo, the tips adorned with horsehair tassels. The lower skull has large conch shell shards set into the sides like ears, the white surface stippled with incised dots. These skulls probably represent trophy heads taken from an enemy, and the conch shell also symbolizes some type of victory during battle in Naga culture. Headhunting was outlawed under British rule, but the practice continued until the mid-20th century since a head taken from an enemy tribe ensured fertility and prosperity - this wood carving is an interesting alternative to actual human bone! Size: 21" L x 5.5" W x 28" H (53.3 cm x 14 cm x 71.1 cm)

Provenance: ex-private Bishop Family Trust collection, the Trust of the late Bill Bishop, a noted antiquarian with shops in Scottsdale, Arizona and Allenspark, Colorado, USA, acquired before 2010

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#173856

  • Condition: Surface wear commensurate with age and use. Chip and gouges to horns. Intact and overall great condition.

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September 22, 2023 8:00 AM MDT
Louisville, CO, US

Artemis Fine Arts

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