The Nagas

Hill Peoples of Northeast India

Project Introduction The Naga Database

manuscript notes made by W.G. Archer between 1946 & 1948, and miscellaneous papers and letters

caption: significance of village gates
medium: notes
location: Chezumi (Chezubama)
production:
person: Archer/ W.G.
date: 1946-1948
refnum: 12:26
text: The gate is in origin the key to village welfare - a means to fertility and general well being. It is also at the most vulnerable point of the village defences. Its 'holy' character is indicated through the style of the carving. The forms are exercises in horror and are designed to induce fear. They also express the power latent in the gate.
text: Chezubama (see diary) the head or ear is exhibited at the gate by the successful head-hunter.
refnext: Next
refprev: Previous