The Naga head-hunters of Burma
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The Naga head-hunters of Burma
Mr A. S. Vernay visited a village of the head-hunting Burmese Nagas with the American Museum of Natural History expedition, taking the photographs that appear on this page which include, clockwise from top left: the call to arms in the Naga village- warriors drumming on a hollow tree-trunk; grim evidence of head-hunting among the Nagas- two newly acquired skulls, each mounted on its sacrificial tree; Hathi, the Naga village with hill-top huts situated at 2178 feet above sea-level in the upper Chindwin area of the Burmese hinterland; and signs of the Nagas superstitious spirit-worship- the legs, comb, feathers and wings of a cock tied up in skin and affixed to sticks. Date: 1936
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Media ID 14124332
© Illustrated London News Ltd/Mary Evans
Burma Burmese Drumming Hollow Hunter Hunters Mounted Naga Nagas Sacrificial Skulls Tribal Tribes Trunk Warriors 1936 Headhunters Headhunting
EDITORS COMMENTS
In this evocative collection of photographs, we are transported to the remote and enigmatic world of the Burmese Naga head-hunters, as documented by the American Museum of Natural History expedition led by Mr. A.S. Vernay in 1936. The images capture the essence of a culture steeped in tradition and ritual, where the line between the mundane and the mystical is blurred. The top left photograph shows the call to arms in a Naga village, with warriors drumming on a hollow tree-trunk, their faces painted with intricate designs. The drumming, an essential part of Naga warfare, signals the beginning of a hunt or a battle. The grim evidence of head-hunting among the Nagas is depicted in the next image, with two newly acquired skulls, each mounted on its sacrificial tree. Head-hunting was an integral part of Naga society, believed to bring power and prestige to the tribe. The third photograph offers a glimpse into the picturesque village of Hathi, situated at 2178 feet above sea-level in the upper Chindwin area of the Burmese hinterland. The hill-top huts, surrounded by lush greenery, provide a stark contrast to the violent practices of the Nagas. Lastly, the signs of the Nagas' superstitious spirit-worship are evident in the image of a cock's legs, comb, feathers, and wings tied up in skin and affixed to sticks. The Nagas believed that the spirits of the dead resided in the heads of their enemies and that the spirits could be appeased by offerings. These photographs offer a rare and fascinating glimpse into the lives of the Burmese Naga head-hunters, a culture that has long been shrouded in mystery and intrigue. The images serve as a reminder of the rich and diverse cultural heritage that exists in the world, and the importance of documenting and preserving it for future generations.
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