French Trophy Skull Museum Model, Based

Rings in the eye sockets and a net of knotted cord across the face, holding everything in place.

This trophy skull museum model, based, is from France and dates to the 20th century. It is hemp, of Dayak origin, from Borneo. Skulls were historically preserved and adorned by some Dayak groups of Borneo, and models like this reproduce such pieces. Here the dark polished cranium is bound with knotted hemp cords that cross over the brow and run down the center of the face. Thick rings sit in each eye socket, and a further ring is tied at the forehead. Cords wrap the jaw at either side. It stands on a tall black metal mount, 17 inches high.

Tied up with a great deal of care.