Naga necklace, Myanmar and NE India

Naga neck ornament composed of tiger teeth and glass beads. The string is the original one, made of natural fibers. It was worn by the most celebrated and accomplished Naga hunters (of both tigers and men), and according to some sources, their sons. The spirals (bronze, on each side of the teeth) are said to be emblematic of rebirth.

Materials: tiger teeth, bronze, glass beads and natural fibers.

From the beginning of the 20th century.

Dimensions:

Length of the orange glass beads strand: approx 63 cm
Size of the pendant with teeth: 11 x 13 cm

Weight: 137 g

Literature:

“The Naga”, Jacobs, Julian, Edition Hansjörg Mayer, 2012, p. 256, 257
“The Splendour of Ethnic Jewelry: From the Colette and Jean-Pierre Ghysels Collection”, Borel, F., Thames & Hudson, 1994.
“The Naga. Awe-inspiring beauty”, Draguet, M., Mercatorfonds, 2018, p.261-4
“Asian Jewellery: Ethnic Rings, Bracelets, Necklaces, Earrings, Belts, Head Ornaments”, Geoffroy-Schneiter, B.Skira, 2011.
“Naga Treasures: Tribal Adornment from the Nagas – India and Myanmar”, Giehmann, M., 2001.
“Colliers ethniques d’Afrique d’Asie, d’Océanie et d’Amérique”, Leurquin, Anne, Skira, 2003