Ritual head shrinking was practiced by the Shuar, also known as Jivaro peoples of Ecuador and Peru. Warriors believed they could capture the power of a slain rivals soul by carefully preparing a shrunken head. these objects, called tsantsas, were a vital part of Shuar culture. In the late 1800s, interest in shrunken heads as collectors’ items increased, and they began to be made as souvenirs and trade items. The shrinking of heads was seen as a trophy of war that passed the strength onto the one who killed the victim. Many people may see this practice of shrinking heads unusual but the Shuar people see it as tradition and a way of life.
According to an article from Ancient Origins, the practice of shrinking heads was very popular among Shuar people of Ecuador and Peru.
What are shrunken heads?Shrunken heads are severed human heads that are methodically prepared for use as trophies, rituals and trading purposes. Although headhunting has transpired in many different regions around the globe, head shrinking was not as common. In fact, it has only been documented in the northwestern region of the Amazon rain forest. The only tribes known to shrink real human heads are the tribes of Jivaroan which include Shuar, Achuar, Huambisa and Aguaruna. These particular tribes are found in Peru and Ecuador. The tribe of Shuar has their own preffered name for shrunken heads called tsantsa.
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| SOURCE: wikipedia.org |
What are shrunken heads?Shrunken heads are severed human heads that are methodically prepared for use as trophies, rituals and trading purposes. Although headhunting has transpired in many different regions around the globe, head shrinking was not as common. In fact, it has only been documented in the northwestern region of the Amazon rain forest. The only tribes known to shrink real human heads are the tribes of Jivaroan which include Shuar, Achuar, Huambisa and Aguaruna. These particular tribes are found in Peru and Ecuador. The tribe of Shuar has their own preffered name for shrunken heads called tsantsa.
How were the heads shrunken?
To start the tsantsa process, the flesh is first peeled away from the skull by making an incision up the back of the neck. The skull itself and its contents are discarded into a nearby river. The warrior then sews the eyes closed and the mouth is sealed by the use of small, sharp palm pegs through the lips. At this point the skin is put into a boiling pot and allowed to simmer for between an hour and a half and two hours. The solution in the pot includes a number of herbs containing tannin, a compound that will preserve the skin. The length of time in the pot is critical as too short a time will result in the head will not shrinking properly and the flesh on the inside of the skin not loosening. Too long in the pot and the hair on top of the head will fall out.When the head is taken out of the pot it will have shrunk to about one-third of its original size and have a rubbery texture The next step is the drying process. Lastly, The use of hot rocks and sand to shrink and shape the head lasts several days.
To start the tsantsa process, the flesh is first peeled away from the skull by making an incision up the back of the neck. The skull itself and its contents are discarded into a nearby river. The warrior then sews the eyes closed and the mouth is sealed by the use of small, sharp palm pegs through the lips. At this point the skin is put into a boiling pot and allowed to simmer for between an hour and a half and two hours. The solution in the pot includes a number of herbs containing tannin, a compound that will preserve the skin. The length of time in the pot is critical as too short a time will result in the head will not shrinking properly and the flesh on the inside of the skin not loosening. Too long in the pot and the hair on top of the head will fall out.When the head is taken out of the pot it will have shrunk to about one-third of its original size and have a rubbery texture The next step is the drying process. Lastly, The use of hot rocks and sand to shrink and shape the head lasts several days.
Why did the Shuar tribe shrink heads?
The practice of headhunting, removing the head of an adversary after killing him in battle is seen as a trophy of the victory for the Shuar tribe. They also believed in it as a way to capture the soul. Jivaro warriors believed that the ritual of shrinking the head paralyzed the spirit of their foe and prevented it from taking revenge, and also passed the victim’s strength onto the killer.
The practice of headhunting, removing the head of an adversary after killing him in battle is seen as a trophy of the victory for the Shuar tribe. They also believed in it as a way to capture the soul. Jivaro warriors believed that the ritual of shrinking the head paralyzed the spirit of their foe and prevented it from taking revenge, and also passed the victim’s strength onto the killer.
What was done with the heads?
Westerners began buying up shrunken heads in the late 1800s and early 1900s, causing the tribes to increase their rate of killing in order to supply heads for trade. Guns were the usual currency traded for the heads, but knives were also popular. Demand for shrunken heads became so great that counterfeits became common. These were often made from the heads of monkeys and sometimes from heads obtained from morgues. In fact, there is speculation that about 80 percent of shrunken heads in private collections and museums were made this way.
Westerners began buying up shrunken heads in the late 1800s and early 1900s, causing the tribes to increase their rate of killing in order to supply heads for trade. Guns were the usual currency traded for the heads, but knives were also popular. Demand for shrunken heads became so great that counterfeits became common. These were often made from the heads of monkeys and sometimes from heads obtained from morgues. In fact, there is speculation that about 80 percent of shrunken heads in private collections and museums were made this way.
Shrunken heads are becoming a popular topic in today’s oddities business. More and more people are seeking them for purchase. Some people believe that a head would make a great addition to a collection of curiosities. However, if you’re looking for a real shrunken head, finding it is not so easy. This doesn't mean they are not out there. You just have to look hard to find one.
Question- Do you see the heads as a work of art or something strange.
Future research- In my future research I plan on discussing the first religions and how they came to be.
Question- Do you see the heads as a work of art or something strange.
Future research- In my future research I plan on discussing the first religions and how they came to be.
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