Doc Bwana's
House of Shrunken
Heads
For many people,
shrunken heads (or tsantsas, as they are called by the Jivaro tribesmen
who make them) symbolize the dark, savage side of human nature. They function as
potent icons of the barbaric and the primitive. But although some of us may
suppress a shudder when we come across one of these diminutive totemistic
trophies in a museum case, attic Hope Chest, or bedroom closet, one fact cannot
be denied: shrunken heads are wonderful conversation pieces! And they
have a special ornamental quality, too! When tastefully mounted and placed on
the coffee table or parlor mantel, they always attract attention and elicit
interesting remarks from guests. These anthropological accent items enhance any
decor. And, in addition to their intrinsic aesthetic value, shrunken heads are
also educational for children and never fail to leave a lasting impression on
young minds.
If you enjoy shrunken heads as much as
we do, and wish to begin your own collection, the following links will enable
you to explore the exciting world of the tsantsa. You will journey with
Jivaro warriors on thrilling head-hunting expeditions, see how heads are removed
from bodies, and be able to learn the fascinating process by which they are
shrunken to the size of a man's fist! The doorway to a unique and rewarding
adventure awaits you below!
About the image at the top of the
page: After much thought, I decided to call
this
computer-generated image Shrunken Head. It portrays a
Jivaro
shrunken head on a stick. Like an exotic flower on its graceful
stem, this
skillfully produced example of fine Jivaro craftsmanship adds a
touch of
color to a lush tropical background. Print copies of this work,
suitable for
hanging in dens, living rooms, or boudoirs, may be ordered for
$20.00
each (plus shipping) at the email address below. A perfect gift for
any
special occasion, order your Shrunken Head print
today!
Contact me at
w.miller115@verizon.net
Don't Miss
Doc Bwana's Shrunken
Head Museum!
Old Doc Bwana
is hunting heads all over the
internet and showing them here!!! You'll
see
more shrunken heads than you can shake
a blowgun at!
Click
Here!!!
See the Shrunken Head Sold at Christie's!
Even a snob-appeal business like
Christie's
can't resist the sheer charm
of a shrunken head!!!
Gaze
Upon
The Frightful face of
Doc bwana!!!
See
the fearsome countenance
of the good doctor, and learn
why the jungle
trembles
at his approach!!!
See Doc
Bwana's Very Own Shrunken Head!
Meet Dinky, Doc's own little
bundle of shrunken sunshine!
Read Comments About this Site!
See what other people are saying
about Doc Bwana's website!
Caveats, Apologies, Disclaimers, Excuses
Serious students
of the Tsantsa
should visit our
Shrunken Head
Galleries!
All humor
aside folks, shrunken heads
Are anthropological artifacts deserving
Serious study. The following four galleries
Adopt a more serious approach to
a
fascinating subject.
Visit Gallery
I
Visit Gallery
II
Visit Gallery
III
Visit Gallery
IV
Be Sure To Check
Out
Don
Juan's
Shrunken Head Shack
Buy some of the most skillfully crafted
shrunken head
reproductions available
anywhere today!
SEE
A
Pre-Columbian Headhunting
Goddess!
View a photo of an ancient statuette
sent to us by
headshrinker Don Juan!
All links verified and updated June 6, 2003
Shrunken Heads at Riverside Municipal Museum
Shrunken Heads at Ye Olde Curiosity Shop
The Straight Dope on Shrunken Heads
How to Prepare a Shrunken Head
Real Shrunken
Head & Fake Shrunken Head Compared
Shrunken Heads at About.com
Of Anthropological
Interest
About the Jivaro
An Account of the Achuar People
A
Shuar Indian Explains Head Shrinking
About Shuar Uwishin (Medicine
Men)
Head Hunting as a Religious Practice
Shuar-Achuar Conflict and Deviance
Other Enjoyable Jivaro
Pastimes
How to Cook a Rat the Jivaro Way
My Favorite Shrunken Head
Movie:
The Four Skulls of
Jonathan Drake!
A Northern Luzon headhunter
proudly
displays his trophies.
Head Hunting in Other parts of the World
Head Hunting in South East Asia