NAGA IDENTITIES.

The Naga people inhabit the southeastern foothills of the Himalayas between India and Burma. Living in virtual isolation from the outside world until about one hundred years ago they developed a highly particular material culture and oral tradition. British colonial rule and Baptist missionary activity brought about far-reaching changes in Naga culture around the middle of the 19th century. With period maps dating from the 1500s to present day together with over 270 colour plates, this extensive study explores the culture of a people known for their architecture, sculpture, wood carving, bodily ornaments, drums and textiles. An important part of Naga life was centred on gaining prestige - social advancement and rising in public esteem were the motivation behind their remarkable material culture. Object and artifacts shown come from the extensive collections of the Pitt Rivers Museum at the University of Oxford, Museum fur Volkerkunde (Museum of Ethnology) in Vienna, Museum der Kulturen (Cultural Museum) in Basel.