Tzantza or reduced head is the practice of the indigenous Shuar people of “reducing heads”. This mystical procedure made the native mummify and preserve the heads of their enemies as a talisman and a war trophy.
The practice of head reduction originally had a religious meaning, by reducing an enemy’s head it was believed that the spirit of the enemy was taken and forced to serve the reducer, preventing the soul from returning to avenge his death. Also it served as an intimidating instrument for enemies and as a war trophy to be proudly displayed by the victor. The Shuar chief is in charge of doing the tsantsa totally alone, in deep meditation and fasting. The members of the defeated tribe become part of the winning tribe, without repudiation or discrimination.
Each Reduced Head is handcrafted and meticulously detailed and is delivered in its personalized wooden box. In this customized model, the bone nosepiece is removable.
It’s a perfect creepy display for your desk or book shelf. A great conversation piece for your office or library. Amazing addition to your Cabinet of Curiosities!
The Shrunken head measures 11 cm tall and 11cm from back to front. With the stand it measures 31cm tall, The display base shown in the pictures is optional, please check before buying!
This product has been updated to a better and more detailed detailed sculpture, the figure is 3D resin printed at 4k resolution with maximum detail, also the material is better and far more resistant than the previous version. Some of the reviews on this product may show the older version. The one you see in the pictures listed is the one you get when buying.