Kalabubu torc necklace.

This torc necklace called a Kalabubu, is made from highly polished coconut shell, strung tightly on a brass wire core. It has tapering ends and is fastened by a brass end, with a flat disc on top. It also has some small brass round pins throughout, six on either side. The size of the coconut shell gets larger towards the bottom, ending in a small curved section, meeting in the middle. A traditional Nias necklace, specifically associated with warrior culture of the Nias peoples of South Nias of North Sumatra, Indonesia. This symbolised a powerful symbol of status, masculinity and triumph in warfare. It was primarily associated with headhunting, the wearer signified that they had participated in headhunting, which the dismembered head would be taken back to 5e village, to bring good fortune and also ward off evil. The Kalabubu is a visual symbol of the practice of headhunting and tribal warfare, also included in ritual ceremonies. These were passed down through generations. Only men could wear these.

These were mostly made in the late 19th and early 20th Centuries. Weighs approximately 335 grams

Measures In diameter 23 cm x 24.5 cm Length down 24.5 cm Width from 1-4 cm

In good condition for its age, sometimes the coconut sections shrink over time. There are small sections where this has occurred (pictured) where small gaps occur. All of the brass pins are intact. There are two small sections where small slivers have broken off, though the discs around this are intact and not loose.