Wooden Figure of a Headhunter

A free-standing wooden image of a warrior, probably of the tribe chieftain, is shown equipped with weapons, a stick and a sword (dao), which are held in his two hands. He is also shown carrying a back quiver secured by a cross-strap. Here, the image displays a fine blend of ethnic and Western influences, such as the kind of hat worn by the man exhibits absorption of European culture, whereas other paraphernalia, like- the garment and ornaments are typically indigenous in character. He wears heavy armbands and his ears lobes are adorned with amphora shaped earrings, while the lower garment has a central pleat which is tucked inside the girdle. The engraved marks of facial tattoos are suggestive of the tribal and social identity of this image. This image is possibly a representation of a headhunter from the Konyak tribe who had received this prestigious facial tattoo after the successful accomplishment of the headhunting ritual.