4 x 5 Antique Naga Tribe Warrior Shawl 76646

76646 Antique Sangtam Naga Tribe Supong Warrior Shawl with Cowrie Shells 03'11 x 04'08.

This antique naga warrior Supong shawl was most likely worn by headman (headhunter) from the Sangtam Tribe of Nagaland. This ceremonial body cloth was honored and very important among the Nagaland Tribes as it reflects one’s social standing, the number of ritual feasts performed and only worn by rich people.

The Sangtam Rongsu shawl features 8 vertical rows of red squares that are interwoven into the black background and it has four grey bands at the top and another four grey bands at the bottom. The are 14 circles sewn out of cowrie shells. There are 4 V-shaped cowry shells symbolizing peacock feathers which represent mithun ears. Displayed in the top left corner of the scarf are 28 embroidered cowrie shells symbolizing as a head-tally, a sum of the beheading for the man to whom this shawl belongs. Several brown dash marks are also only found in older pieces, like this one, and possibly represent some form of ranking or code. This warrior shawl was only to be worn by aristocratic men or someone who has taken heads during a battle and who carried out the sacrifice of a 'mithun' which is a local bison.

• Abrash. Desirable Age Wear.
• Hand-woven cotton.
• Embroidered cowry shells.
• Made in Nagaland (Northeastern India).
• Measures: 03'11 x 04'08.
• Date: Early 20th Century. 1910-1919.