Chest decoration of a chief (indication of rank)

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Events

Created

Who	Ao Naga
When	1851-1900
Where	Nagaland

Collected

Who	Peal, S.E.
When	1892-1894
Where	Nagaland

Keywords

Brustschmuck Rank insignia jewellery

Description

The chest ornament is made of woven bamboo decorated with cowries and orchid stems. It is decorated with dyed red goat hair and worn by the Ao Naga to denote a high social rank.
The index card states: Chest ornament "enemy teeth ". The description suggests that the owner has killed numerous enemies, symbolised by the cowries that represent teeth belonging to enemies.
Collector: Peal, S.E.

Material/Technique

Wood; Plant fiber braid; Cowrie shell; Orchid stems; Goat hair

Measurements

Height x width x depth: 23 x 54 x 3 cm; Weight:

Links / Documents

The object at SMB-digital

Map

Created
1851
Ao Naga
Nagaland

Collected
1892
Peal, S.E.
Nagaland

1850 1902

Object from: Ethnological Museum of Berlin

The Ethnologisches Museum (Ethnological Museum) evolved from the collections of the royal cabinets of art and since its foundation in 1873 has become...

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[Last update: 2023/10/06]

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