A SUPERB QUALITY NAGA CARVED WOOD HEAD WITH TATTOOING
Origin:
Description: This carved wooden head or masquette conservatively dates to the 1930's or 1940's but could be older (Presented on a custom metal stand). This is an especially great example and has old inset tacks for facial tattooing, glass trade bead dangle earrings, and remnant green paint. Carved amulet heads like this were used and worn by warriors as chest ornaments or attached to head-takers baskets through the pierced ears lobes such as this mask. It is In excellent condition showing obvious wear and field use. There is some earth-based pitch or resin seen adhered onto the sides of the interior of the mask. Its presence is unknown. Related examples of carved heads can be seen on pages 192-195 of "The Nagas" by Julian Jacobs. See also page 94 "Indonesian Primitive Art" by Hersey.
Dimensions: Height 4 7/8" (12.25 cm), Width 4 7/8" (12.25 cm)
Price: SOLD
