Huge Old Nagaland Tribal Ornamental Bronze Hair Pin
Extremely RARE!
A MUST HAVE FOR ANY REAL COLLECTOR
Authentic handmade Antique Nagaland Bronze Ornamental Hair Pin. Expertly hand crafted by aritizans of the Khiamniungan tribe in Southern Nagaland. This is an authentic Naga Bronze Ornamental Hair Pin worn by shaman and warriors during religious rights and festivals. These are very difficult to find and I am always on the lookout. It is a very large and heavy piece and makes one wonder how they manage to wear it in their hair. This is a spectacular piece that is a must have for any Naga enthusiast. It is not a reproduction and was actually worn.
Nagaland is a state located in the far northeastern part of India. It borders the state of Assam to the west, Arunachal Pradesh and part of Assam to the north, Burma to the east and Manipur to the south. The state capital is Kohima, and the largest city is Dimapur With a population of nearly two million people.
The population of Nagaland is entirely tribal. The Nagas belong to the Indo-Mongoloid family. The fourteen major Naga tribes are the Angami, Ao, Chakhesang, Chang, Khemungan, Konyak, Lotha, Phom, Pochury, Rengma, Sangtam, Sema, Yimchunger and Zeliang. The Chakhesangs were earlier known as Eastern Angamis and are a combination of the Chakri, Khezha and Sangtam sub-tribes. Now the Chakhesang tribe is spilt further; Pochury's who were earlier a part of it now claim a distinct entity. Each tribe has their own languages and cultural features. Literacy is 61.30 %. The population has shown a steady upward trend.
The Naga's have different stories about their origin. The Angamis, Semas, Rengams and the Lotha's subscribe to the Kheza-Kenoma legend. It is said that the village had a large stone slab having magical properties. Paddy spread on it to be dried doubled in quantity by evening. The three sons of the couple who owned the stone used it by rotation. One day there was a quarrel between the sons as to whose turn it was. The couple, fearing bloodshed, set fire to the stone which as a result cracked. It is believed that the spirit in the stone went to heaven and the stone lost its miraculous properties. The three sons thereafter left Kheza-Kenoma, went in different directions and became the forefathers of the Angami, Sema and the Lotha tribes. According to another legend, to which the western Angamis subscribe, the first man evolved from a lake called Themiakelku zie near Khonoma. The Rengmas believe that until recently they and Lothas formed one tribe. The Aos and the Phoms trace their origin to the Lungterok (six stones) on the Chongliemdi hill. Some people believe that these Indo-Mongoloids are 'kiratas' frequently mentioned in the old Sanskrit literature of whom 'Nagas' were a sub-tribe.
The hill tribes in the areas now known as Nagaland had no generic term applicable to the whole race. The word 'Naga' was given to these hill tribes by the plains people. This proved to be a great unifying force to the tribes now classified as Naga. Nagas are of sub-medium height, the facial index is very low, the nasal index corresponds to a medium
nose, the hair is generally straight, the skin is brownish yellow. The eyes significantly do not show Mongolian form.
It could broadly be said that they are straight forward people, honest, hardworking, sturdy and with a high standard of integrity. They are lacking in humility and are inclined to equate a kind and sympathetic approach with weakness. The Nagas have a very strong sense of self respect and would not submit to anyone riding roughshod over their sentiments. The Angamis are politically the most conscious group. The Zeliang and Pochury tribes in Kohima district are comparatively simple and unsophisticated. The Tuensang tribes are un-spoilt children of nature. A striking characteristic of the Naga tribes is their hospitality and cheerfulness. To be greeted with a smiling face while traveling on the roads is a common experience. A visitor to Naga village is heartily received and entertained with a surfeit of rice-beer, which is generally served by the lady of the house or her young daughter with a warmth which is unforgettable.
Dimensions: Can be seen in the photos above.
Materials: Bronze
Age: Circa 1900
Don't let this unique opportunity pass you by... Buy It Now!
Thanks for your time and consideration... sidthesquid
;)
