Portrait of a Lhota warrior in full dress

B&W photographic print. 'A Lotha (Lhota) warrior in full dress. He wears a "sweat-wig" of bear's fur and two hornbill feathers, showing he has participated in two head-taking ceremonies. Hanging down his back is the skull of the Great Indian Hornbill, symbolic of wealth, showing that he has undertaken a stone dragging ceremony. Worn on the hip, supported by two hair fringed baldricks across the chest, is the panji basket and great curved "tail", which has a long fringe of human hair. Panjis are sharpened bamboo spikes stuck in the ground to deter pursuit. Slung across his chest is the "enemy's teeth", a flat piece of wood covered with plaited red cane, cowrie shells representing teeth and a fringe of red hair symbolising blood pouring out of the victim's mouth. His broad apron is covered with rows of cowrie shells, as are his hair fringed wristlets. He carries a dao, and a spear ornamented with goat's hair.'

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Ethnic group: Naga

Ethnic group: Lotha Naga

Yanthamo is alternatively known as Yamhung Ghat and Yanasao

9.5 x 7 cm

Copyright held by J.P. Mills