4 x 5 - Black Antique Indian Embroidered Naga Shawl Rug - 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.