French Trophy Skull Museum Model

A neat band of cowries across the brow and a twisted rattan headband just below it.

This trophy skull museum model is from France and dates to the 20th century. It is cowrie, hemp and rattan, of Dayak origin, from Borneo. Dayak communities of Borneo historically kept and decorated skulls, and museum models like this reproduce those forms. The cranium is a deep glossy brown, capped in a woven fiber net. A row of cowrie shells crosses the forehead above a twisted rattan band, and a thick braided hemp cord runs down from the nose through the open jaw. It stands on a tall black metal mount, 9.5 inches deep and 6 high.

Dressed for a ceremony that remains, fortunately, in the museum.