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Two Shrunken Heads--Tsantsas

Currency:USD Category:Collectibles Start Price:25.00 USD Estimated At:175.00 - 250.00 USD
Two Shrunken Heads--Tsantsas
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This lot provides you another opportunity to bid on a pair of Tsantsas, or shrunken heads. The technique developed by the Jivaro to make the tsantsas would take them about a week. When finished, the tribe would hold a series of celebrations to commemorate their victory. It was believed that the vanquished warrior's head would confer further magical powers on the victorious warrior The head was shrunk with the eyes and mouths sewn shut in order to prevent the vengeful spirit of the dead warrior from escaping and harming the head's new owner. One of these particular heads, for sale today, reflects the practice of sewing mouth and eyes closed; in addition, it also has earrings fashioned with twine and colorful feathers and has short blonde hair. The other appears to be female and has longer dark brown hair. Again, the origin and originality of these tsantsas is unknown. The larger of the two measures about 4.5" tall by 4" nose to back of head. It also features an 18" long rope attached to the top of the head. The smaller head has no such rope.