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This object is a Naga tribal warrior's basket (also known as a headhunter's basket), typically originating from the Nagaland region of northeastern India or Burma. These baskets are significant cultural artifacts of the Naga people, traditionally used by warriors to carry trophies of war, though they were also used for everyday activities like gathering food.
Visual Characteristics
Construction: The basket is hand-woven from dark rattan or cane, often featuring a sturdy, tapered shape for easy carrying on the back.
Decorative Elements: It is adorned with traditional symbolic ornaments, which may include:
Animal Skulls: Frequently decorated with monkey or wild boar skulls.
Fur and Hair: Accents of long animal fur (such as monkey or goat hair) or feathers are common around the rim and hanging from the sides.
Straps: Thick, durable straps—sometimes made of leather or reinforced fabric—allow the basket to be worn as a pack.
Historical Significance
Dating from the late 19th to early 20th century, these objects are highly sought after by collectors of tribal art. Similar examples can be found in major ethnographic collections, such as the Pitt Rivers Museum in Oxford.
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