Smithsonian magazine's 22nd Annual Photo Contest | Made possible through the support of MPB.com

22nd Annual Smithsonian Magazine Photo Contest People
Face Tatoo is legacy- Last Naga Headhunter

Anthropologicaly 'Naga' is Sino-Burmese tribe stayed at India & Myanamar's hill-forest area . They had a social custom and practice of Human Head Hunting . After head hunting of enemy , the soldier was permitted to draw tatoo in his face by the tribal king - by a special design. It was a prestige mark in the society . Head Hanting was banned since long, Chistianity changed their practice and culture but still old soldiers got respect in the tribal society by the face tatoo.

Photo Detail
Date Taken: 04.2024
Date Uploaded: 09.2024
Photo Location: Langoa village, India
Copyright: © Debasish Bardhan