1: The Naga, once feared head-hunters, live right in eastern India (Nagaland, Manipur) and on both sides of the border to Burma (Myanmar). The Naga have their own, distinct jewellery tradition, as displayed by the present, magnificent and valuable necklace. It consists of eight strands of mostly long beads, that are connected to one another by four ‘separators’ made of bone material. The larger beads on these eight strands consist of: beads of polished and pierced agate stones (the translucent, reddish-brown beads above) and the larger, white beads are made from polished and pierced sea shells (like the pendants below). All smaller beads are glass beads (white, red, blue, brown, yellow, orange). On these eight strings of beads, two slimly cut pieces of white shell material, decorated with dots hang below and onto those hangs a larger pendant made of a white cut sea shell. All parts display good, old traces of usage (see the hole for hanging the lower shell). This Naga chain is complete and has no damages. It is a highly impressive collector’s piece.
Length: c. 58 cm.
2: A large, typical necklace, like those worn by the women in the Indian Gondh tribe, in the state of Andhra Pradesh (Southeast India). Many small, red and white glass beads are threaded and then combined into five tight bundles using two large brass beads. The many threads are plaited above into thick, twisted strings that are then used to tie the necklace around the neck of the woman wearing it. The piece displays no damage. An interesting, old and rare object in excellent condition.
Length: c. 60 cm (closed).
Both items in this mixed lot: First half of the 20th century. (ME)

Provenance:
Viennese private collection.