Central Asia, northeastern India/Burma, Konyak Naga people, ca. early 20th century CE. A decorated monkey skull with boar tusks, teeth, and shells attached to a vegetal cord. This was a chest pectoral or pendant that was worn to create an intimidating ornamental element. The Naga people are a combination of tribes in northeastern India and northwestern Burma; during the time that this basket was made, they still led a very traditional lifestyle and engaged in headhunting. Warriors and Shamans used skulls like this example for a number of ceremonial and ritual purposes due to the similarity and symbolism of monkey and human trophy skulls. Size of skull: 3.25" L x 2.25" W (8.3 cm x 5.7 cm); pendant: 6" L x 4" W (15.2 cm x 10.2 cm)

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Provenance: private Newport Beach, California Collection

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#135961

Loss to monkey nasal cavity and teeth. Chips and nicks to shells and teeth. Splintering and loss to boar tusk. Dark patina and mineral deposits.