Authentic Ao Naga Necklace – Red & Blue Glass Beads with Bronze Trumpets – Nagaland, India
An authentic Ao Naga necklace from Nagaland, Northeast India, dating to approximately the mid-20th century.
The necklace has a particularly striking construction, alternating large oval red glass beads with intense cobalt-blue cylindrical glass beads. Suspended between them are 12 elongated bronze ornaments in the characteristic trumpet form associated with Naga jewelry.
The contrast between the deep blue glass, muted red beads and aged golden bronze gives the necklace a remarkably strong graphic presence.
Glass beads have long played an important role in Naga personal adornment. Historical examples demonstrate the extensive use of red and blue glass together with bronze or brass ornaments, including bells and trumpet-shaped pendants.
This is a substantial ethnographic necklace weighing 308 grams, with an approximate length of 58 cm.
Materials & Construction
- Red glass beads
- Cobalt-blue glass beads
- Bronze trumpet-shaped ornaments
- Traditional strung construction
- No clasp
Composition:
- 13 red glass beads
- 14 blue glass beads
- 12 bronze trumpets
Measurements
Weight: 308 g
Approximate length: 58 cm / 22.8 in
Closure: None
Origin & Period
Culture: Ao Naga
Origin: Nagaland, Northeast India
Period: Approximately mid-20th century
Comparable Ao Naga necklaces incorporating glass beads and bronze trumpet-shaped ornaments are documented in collections and on the specialist tribal-art market.
Condition
The glass beads are in good vintage condition, with surface wear and minor irregularities consistent with age and use.
The bronze elements retain an attractive aged patina.
The necklace is currently intact but the existing threading should be replaced before regular wear.
Wearing & Conservation
There is no clasp. The necklace passes over the head, but only quite closely.
Because the existing thread is old, I recommend considering the necklace in its present state primarily as a collectible ethnographic object. If the new owner wishes to wear it regularly, it should first be professionally restrung while preserving the original arrangement of the beads and bronze elements.
Cultural Context
Among the Naga peoples, necklaces were much more than decorative accessories. Beads and metal ornaments formed an important part of traditional dress and could communicate identity, wealth and social significance. Historical photographs and surviving collections document the extensive use of red and blue glass beads in Naga adornment.
The alternating bronze trumpets give this example an especially distinctive silhouette and movement when worn.
Details at a Glance
Culture: Ao Naga
Origin: Nagaland, Northeast India
Period: Mid-20th century
Materials: Glass & bronze
Weight: 308 g
Length: approx. 58 cm
Red glass beads: 13
Blue glass beads: 14
Bronze trumpets: 12
Clasp: None
Condition: Good vintage condition; restringing recommended before wear
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Veuillez noter :
Ce bijou est vintage et a été porté. Des rayures et des traces d'usure peuvent être visibles. Il a été nettoyé afin de lui redonner autant que possible son éclat d'origine.
Expédition:
Toutes les expéditions internationales sont suivies. Les bijoux seront envoyés soigneusement emballés et empaquetés.
Clients hors Union Européenne :
Les droits de douane, les taxes douanières, la TVA et tous les frais supplémentaires ne sont pas inclus dans le prix de l'article. Les acheteurs sont responsables de tous les frais de douane/droits d'importation appliqués dans leur pays
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