India, Naga Tribe, ca. 18th Century CE. Rare and very desirable necklace comprised of carnelian beads, eight gold over bronze geodesic dome-shaped beads, ten bronze axe-shaped beads and a central pendant of a human skull. The Naga were known as fierce warriors and most famous for taking the heads of their victims as trophies to be displayed around their homes. The skull pendant is thought to be the "award" given to a warrior upon the taking of their first head. Not sure if this warrior was only awarded one such trophy pendant before having his own head adorn the house of an enemy, or if each small axe might also represent another head. A great, wearable conversation piece! Size: 21" L (53.3 cm) not counting the 1" skull pendant.

Provenance: private Bangkok collection acquired over 10 years ago in the Hong Kong art market

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#124506

Intact and wearable with modern clasp.