BOAR TUSK, SHELL, HUMAN BONE
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HULI - JEBO DECORATED |
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BOAR TUSK, SHELL, HUMAN BONE |
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are still reported. In former times, men would awaken the spirit of courage, Bali Akang, to assist them during headhunting expeditions. After decapitating the enemy, great homecoming celebrations awaited returning warriors. The brains were carefully extracted through the nostrils, then fresh ulu (heads) were placed in plaited rattan nets and smoke cured over fires. Dried skulls provided the most powerful magic in the world, vital transfusions of energy. A good head could save a village from plague, produce rain, ward off evil spirits, or triple rice yields. Dayak people believed a man's spirit continued to inhabit his head after death. Surrounded by palm leaves, heads were offered food and cigarettes already lit for smoking so their spirits would forgive, forget, and feel welcome in their new home. New heads increased the prestige of the owner and impressed sweethearts; they were an initiation into manhood. In some tribes, a head's power can increase over time; cherished skulls are handed down from generation to generation. In other tribes, a head's magic fades with age, so fresh heads are always needed. In remote Kalimantan villages, on Borneo Island in Indonesia, travelers can still find fine examples of Dayak head hunting skulls on display. THE DAYAK TRIBE, FROM BORNEO ISLAND INDONESIA, CARVE DESIGNS INTO THE SKULLS OF THEIR HEADHUNTED VICTIMS AND INSERT WOODEN FIGURES. THE DAYAK, IFUGAO, AND NAGA HUMAN SKULLS ARE HEAD HUNTING TROPHIES. THE ASMAT "ANCESTOR" SKULLS. THE DIFFERENCE IS; HEAD HUNTED SKULLS ARE ACQUIRED FROM ENEMY ANCESTOR SKULLS ARE COLLECTED AND VENERATED TO REMEMBER DECEASED FAMILY MEMBERS. THE IFUGAO COLLECT BONES OF DEAD RELATIVES; WRAP THEM IN TRIBAL TEXTILES, AND STORE THEM IN THE RAFTERS UNDER THEIR HUTS. HUMAN SKULLS AND SKULL CAPS FROM NEPAL ARE RITUAL OFFERTORY VESSELS THAT ARE USED AS DRINKING CUPS IN TIBETAN BUDDHIST CEREMONIES. |
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