Vintage Naga tribal necklace

The Indian region known as Nagaland is situated amidst the hills and mountains of northeast India. It is the homeland to 16 prominent tribes and various other sub-tribes. For the people of Nagaland, jewelry is not a mere accessory for adornment but is quintessential to their cultural heritage and fullfils and important function in distinguishing tribal identity, social class and status.

Between all these distinguishing differences, also some common features can be seen among all Naga jewelry; they are often quite large and bold in appearance, with rich and vibrant colors and the most intricate designs. A large variety of materials is used, such as beads from colorful glass, precious stone, shell and bone, bronze and brass ornaments and animal materials such as teeth, claws, horn and ivory. Every part of the jewelry has a specific meaning for the wearer; from the color of the beads, to the specific design of the beaded strands or the number of ornaments used in a necklace.

This necklace is made in a traditional style that can be attributed to the Konyak tribe. It is very nice in appearance and completely intact, but please note that most materials used in this necklace are either synthetic (most of the brass-look pieces and turquoise colored beads) or glass (the coral-look beads). So this necklace would have been made as a less expensive alternative for similar ones made with real stones and metals. That being said, it is of course still very nicely made and an absolutely eyecatching piece of very good wearable jewelry in a traditional Naga tribal style.

Sizes: this is a short-length necklace; 47 centimeters, measured the size of the inside circle (the inside circle it will make around the neck). Measured at the widest area, the rows of colors measured mid-under (measured without the turquoise colored 'tassels' underneath), it is 4 centimeters wide. Total weight is 125 grams.

Being from vintage origin, this necklace shows some minor signs of its age and previous usage, but overall it is still in very good (and most important, very good wearable) condition.

Only one available.