One of the original pieces in old oddity collections was the fabled "Shrunken Head." They show up in everything from pulp fiction jungle novels to the laboratory of Dr. Frankenstein. While they may seem a bit campy in popular culture, the practice of making and carrying one held deep significance for those who originally created them. Shrunken heads, known as tsantsas, were traditionally made by the Shuar people and related tribes in the Amazon rainforest of Ecuador and Peru. The practice had strong cultural, spiritual, and ritualistic importance. They believed shrinking a head would trap the enemy’s spirit, transfer power, and protect the community. It also served as a rite of passage and a symbol of status or justice. There’s more to it than that, but that’s the gist. If you have some time, we highly recommend looking into the history of the Shuar and this lost-to-time practice because it is extremely interesting. About These Replicas These shrunken head replicas are made from real tanned alpaca hide and hair. Each head is handcrafted by local artisans in Ecuador, the birthplace of the original “head shrinking” practice. While the sale of real shrunken heads was outlawed in the 1930s, these replicas are about as close to the real thing as you can get! If you're looking for something bizarre and eye-catching to add to your oddities collection or tiki décor, this is it. Each head measures approximately 5 inches tall. You will receive one (1) shrunken head replica similar to the photos shown. We'll take the time to select the best one for you. Hair and skin color may vary. *Alpaca (Lama alpaca) are sustainably sourced, so the sale of this item does not harm the species or the environment.
