Warrior Trophy Skull

Marquesan Warrior Trophy Skull refers to the Marquesan warrior practice of displaying the skulls of defeated enemies as trophies and it was practiced historically. This practice had deep ritual and spiritual significance and was closely associated with warfare and the warrior ethos of the Marquesan people.

Trophy skulls were often taken in battle as symbols of victory and power. Possessing the skull of a defeated enemy was both a sign of personal bravery and a means of accruing status within the community.

Spiritual Beliefs: The skulls were believed to house mana, or spiritual power. By possessing the skulls of their enemies, warriors were thought to capture this power.

There was also a component of ancestor worship in the retention of skulls, which could be seen as honoring the warrior spirit of both the defeated and the victor.

The skulls were carefully preserved and sometimes decorated as seen in Langsdorff's publication from 1813 (Krusenstern Expedition)

This is a replica of a full-sized male skull.

Materials: resin filled with foam, the lower jaw tied with wild boar tusks, and coconut sennit cordage. All parts are handmade and hand-painted.