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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Antique & Vintage Condition:
These pieces have been previously worn and may show patina, surface wear, small scratches or other traces of age. Any significant condition issue is described in the product text and shown in the photographs.
Shipping:
European Union: free tracked shipping.
Outside the European Union: flat-rate tracked shipping €30.
Orders of €400 or more: free tracked shipping worldwide.
Orders over €100 are insured. A phone number may be required by the carrier for delivery.
Customs & Import Duties:
European Union: no customs duties on deliveries within the EU.
United States: orders are shipped DDP (Delivered Duty Paid), with applicable import duties already included and no additional customs fees due on delivery.
Other countries: local import duties, VAT or customs charges may apply.
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