Northern India, Naga, mid to late 19th CE. An early leather headhunter's bag dramatically decorated with four monkey skulls, the two at each end framed by pairs of animal (perhaps boar) tusks, with a rectangular lid attached to the overall rectangular form via woven fibers, a leather loop at the lower end, a strand of knotted natural fibers across the front, plaited wicker lining the back of the lid, and a strap of twisted wire attached to wicker loops for suspension. This bag was most likely used to carry human heads as headhunting was a traditional practice among the Naga tribes of northern India and Myanmar. A rare find indeed! Size: 7" deep x 11" W x 9.5" H (17.8 cm x 27.9 cm x 24.1 cm)

Provenance: Ex - Private LA collection acquired in the 1980's.

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#116024

Expected wear with minor losses to the leather but some hair from the animal's coat still remains. Metal framework has oxidized a bit as expected. Strap connecting lid to loop at lower front missing. Nevertheless very good overall.