The Knife, Sacrifice and Meaning

Tim Simmons · 14th January 2007, 09:17 AM

In Julian Jaacobs "The Nagas" there is mention that heads were not always won/taken in a war situation and opportunities were not always ever present. If I have understood, he suggests the spiritual need to take a head could biuld up and as a consequence the first hapless stranger could loss there head and power/stability would return to the community. The individual taking the head gets great prestige but other warriors would blood thier doa and receive some prestige. This, if not a formal ceremony does have elements akin to some sort shared communion. The fact that only one head could be effective and give prestige to the many does seem like a sacrificial act. It would appear that standard arms were used but became more special after the act or having been blooded.

Does anyone have a good Ram Doa?

14th January 2007, 09:17 AM	#6
Tim Simmons Member Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: What is still UK Posts: 5,843	In Julian Jaacobs "The Nagas" there is mention that heads were not always won/taken in a war situation and opportunities were not always ever present. If I have understood, he suggests the spiritual need to take a head could biuld up and as a consequence the first hapless stranger could loss there head and power/stability would return to the community. The individual taking the head gets great prestige but other warriors would blood thier doa and receive some prestige. This, if not a formal ceremony does have elements akin to some sort shared communion. The fact that only one head could be effective and give prestige to the many does seem like a sacrificial act. It would appear that standard arms were used but became more special after the act or having been blooded. Does anyone have a good Ram Doa?