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

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#173923

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