Konyak Women's and Children's Adornment, second half of 20th century - Naga - India (No reserve price)

A Konyak Naga Women's and Children's Brass Forearm Adornment
Nagaland, India - Mid to Late 20th Century (circa 1960s–1980s)

An authentic antique open cuff armlet from the Konyak Naga people of northern Nagaland.
This vertically elongated, flared sleeve-form cuff is entirely handmade utilizing the classic lost-wax casting technique (cire perdue). The exterior is heavily textured with a dense array of incised horizontal parallel bands flanked by borders of stylized tribal patterns. The cuff features a naturally aged, uncleaned deep honey-colored brass patina, preserving dark oxidation within its grooved recesses.

While larger variants of these flared sleeves were famously worn on the forearms of prominent male warriors, this specific piece features a narrow inner opening diameter measuring only 4.5 cm at its smallest point. It was traditionally crafted for a high-status woman or child within the clan and maintained as a standard indigenous currency token used alongside brass gongs for high-value societal barter, dowries, and marital wealth display.

Height = 9 cm
Diameter (widest point) = 6.8 cm
Inner diameter (smallest point) = 4.5 cm
Weight = 180 g

Good condition. The piece shows a beautiful, authentic patina with no structural cracks. The interior boasts distinctly hand-smoothed, rounded inner edges. There is a small 'wrinkle' at the top (see photo 8 and 9).
For a good impression, please watch all photos carefully.

Insured shipping.
Can also be collected in Ghent, Belgium.