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South Asia, India, Naga peoples, ca. early to mid-20th century CE. A wearable necklace constructed with red-orange glass beads and a central brass headhunter’s pendant. The pendant, depicting a severed trophy head, features open eyes, full lips, and a broad forehead. Although headhunting was banned under British colonial rule, headhunting practices continued into the mid-20th century. The Naga people are a combination of tribes in northeastern India and northwestern Burma known for their artistry, particularly when it comes to jewelry and brassworking. During special rituals on their calendar, men and women dress in ceremonial clothing and ornaments, including stunning necklaces like this. Size (necklace): 26.25″ L (66.7 cm); (pendant): 2.23″ W x 2.51″ H (5.7 cm x 6.4 cm)
Condition: Wearable as shown. Some abrasions to brass pendant and some beads, otherwise intact and very good. Nice patina on pendant. Previous inventory label on verso of pendant.
Provenance: private Hawaii, USA collection, acquired from 2000 to 2010
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