{"product_id":"antique-naga-warrior-tooth-brass-spiral-necklace","title":"Naga Warrior Tooth \u0026 Brass Spiral Status Necklace | Late 19th – Early 20th Century","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eHistorical Context \u0026amp; Origin\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eRegion:\u003c\/strong\u003e Nagaland, Northeast India \/ Indo-Myanmar borderlands, attributed to the Chang Naga\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eMaterial:\u003c\/strong\u003e Animal (possibly tiger) teeth, brass, and woven textile cord\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003ePeriod:\u003c\/strong\u003e Late 19th–Early 20th Century\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eDescription\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eThis striking Naga warrior’s status ornament consists of a matched pair of large animal (possibly tiger) canine teeth secured together with black textile binding and flanked by two substantial brass spiral ornaments.\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eEach tooth is elongated and naturally curved, displaying warm cream, ochre, and brown coloration developed through age and handling. The teeth are positioned vertically beside one another and tightly bound across their centres with dark woven cord. On either side, thick brass wire has been formed into large concentric spirals connected to elongated suspension loops, producing the dramatic symmetrical appearance characteristic of this form of Naga adornment.\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eComparable Naga warrior ornaments combine paired teeth with large brass spirals and textile suspension. Historical examples are associated particularly with accomplished hunters and warriors, for whom animal teeth represented hunting prowess, courage, prestige, and social standing.\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eThe surviving cord allows the ornament to be worn around the neck, although the principal visual element is the compact central pendant formed by the teeth and spirals.\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eFeatures\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003e- Pair of large animal (possibly tiger) canine teeth\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003e- Teeth retain natural cream, ochre, and brown coloration\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003e- Two substantial hand-formed brass spiral ornaments\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003e- Original-style black textile wrapping joining the central elements\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003e- Large suspension loops incorporated into the brass work\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003e- Powerful symmetrical composition\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003e- Associated with warrior, hunting, prestige, and status traditions\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eCultural Significance\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eAmong several Naga communities, tiger teeth and other animal trophies carried meanings extending far beyond simple decoration. They were associated with strength, hunting accomplishment, prestige, and the perceived power of the animal itself. Historical research specifically records paired tiger-tooth ornaments decorated with brass spirals as particularly valued among the Chang, Yimchunger, Sangtam, Phom, and Khiamniungan Naga.\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eComparable Naga necklaces were worn by accomplished hunters and warriors, with the tooth elements serving as visible indicators of prowess and achievement. The spiral brass components also became an immediately recognizable feature of this distinctive form of personal adornment.\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eCondition\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eGood condition for age. The two teeth remain substantially complete and display natural surface coloration, fine age lines, abrasions, staining, and minor losses consistent with age and historical handling. The brass spirals exhibit dark oxidation, patination, and surface wear. Textile bindings and suspension cord show expected wear and minor fraying. Overall, the ornament retains a strong and visually impressive presentation.\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eDimensions (Approximate)\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eWidth: 4.5 in\u003cbr\u003eHeight: 2.5 in\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eAge (Approximate)\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003e100–150 years old\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eProvenance\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eFormerly held in a private collection in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, United States, comprising ethnographic, tribal, and culturally significant objects.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eLearn More\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eDiscover a related late 19th–early 20th-century Naga necklace in the collection of \u003cstrong\u003e\u003ca href=\"https:\/\/www.metmuseum.org\/art\/collection\/search\/316102\" title=\"Naga Necklace, Late 19th–Early 20th Century – The Metropolitan Museum of Art\"\u003eThe Metropolitan Museum of Art\u003c\/a\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eExplore our \u003cstrong\u003e\u003ca href=\"https:\/\/relicandrarity.com\/collections\/tribal-indigenous-artifacts\" title=\"Tribal and Indigenous Artifacts – Relic \u0026amp; Rarity\"\u003eCollection of Tribal and Indigenous Artifacts\u003c\/a\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Relic \u0026 Rarity","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":55931408253250,"sku":null,"price":650.0,"currency_code":"CAD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0955\/1803\/2194\/files\/First_photo_design_-_2026-08-24T094258.837.png?v=1787578991","url":"https:\/\/relicandrarity.com\/products\/antique-naga-warrior-tooth-brass-spiral-necklace","provider":"Relic \u0026 Rarity","version":"1.0","type":"link"}