Skulls in Morung (Image number C.020, J.P. Mills Photographic Collection)

Rows of skulls on shelves. Head-hunting trophies are kept here. When a head is taken, it is first placed at the foot of this erect stone, then put into a basket and left to rot in the jungle. When more or less clean, it is hoisted up on this pole and left there until the next annual ceremony which...

Full description

Full title: Skulls in Morung (Image number C.020, J.P. Mills Photographic Collection) [electronic resource].
Format: Photo           
Language: English
Published: 1923.
Series: SOAS Digital Library.
ASC.
REGIONS.
RSA.
JPMILLS.
ILOAA.
Subjects:
Online access: Click here to view record


Summary: Rows of skulls on shelves. Head-hunting trophies are kept here. When a head is taken, it is first placed at the foot of this erect stone, then put into a basket and left to rot in the jungle. When more or less clean, it is hoisted up on this pole and left there until the next annual ceremony which is celebrated when the young crops have grown high and are due for their first weeding. After this, the head is taken down and transferred to the Ang's collection, or placed in the Morung, when its fertility or "soul- force" will be transferred to the village.
Language: English
Published: 1923.
Subjects:
Series: SOAS Digital Library.
ASC.
REGIONS.
RSA.
JPMILLS.
ILOAA.
Access: Image: © 1923, The Estate of J.P. Mills. Text: © 1996, Geraldine Hobson.
Place of Publication: India -- Nagaland -- Mon District -- Chui.