Naga Axe

[Bill M]

Originally Posted by Nonoy Tan

Very nice piece, Bill. Looking forward to seeing your other Naga weapons!

What sort of hair are those?

Anybody knows the definite origin and history of the Naga axe?

Will post some more pictures.

This is probably goat hair.

Still researching origins, but looks like it was originally an agricultural instrument like the Philippines' Panabas.

I have another Naga ax that was carried in the small of the back in a cowrie -- Nagas called "cowrie" shells, "enemies teeth." Shells were sometimes used as currency. They were valuable because Nagaland is landlocked and to get shells meant traveling through dangerous territory.

The first two pictures show this belt and Naga axe. This belonged to a wealthy guy, possibly an Ang.

The third picture is a rare Naga chest ornament with five heads (taken by the original wearer); the monkeys were animals that warned of approaching enemies and the ox or buffalo is a symbol of virility. It is probable that the Naga maidens lined up for this guy -- lets say that he never had a problem finding a date!