Kalabubu tribal necklace. Sumatra, Indonesia,... Lot 31

Kalabubu tribal necklace. Sumatra, Indonesia, late 19th century. Coconut shell and brass. Use marks. Measurements: 23 x 22 x 4 cm. The kalabubu were necklaces that signalled the prestige of their wearers, as only the most daring warriors on the island of Nias (on the west coast of Sumatra) were allowed to wear them. The necklace is handmade from coconut shell and brass. Legend has it that only those who returned home with the enemy's head were presented with a kalabubu, so they were called 'headhunters'. Sacrificed enemies became protective forces for the community.