Headhunting in Southeast Asia

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The practice of taking and preserving a head of a slain enemy, known as head hunting, has occurred throughout the world from ancient times into the 20th century. Headhunting tribes believed that the head was the most important part of the body, and taking it weakened the power of the enemy. Because the head was seen as so powerful, head hunting developed into human sacrifice. In many societies, some men were not allowed to marry until they have taken their first head. In Indonesia, Wona Kaka, a famous leader that led rebellions against the Dutch, an important headhunter, was recognized as a hero by the national government. There were even many rituals to bring back his soul from the dead. In Southeast Asia, the practices of headhunting have a relationship to the society’s perception of itself as a powerful agency. It was an important part of the society because they believed the human head held the soul, and was of great significance.
According to the Encyclopedia Britannica article on headhunting, headhunting has been associated with cannibalism, the head being the soul, and even cults. It has said to start in the Paleolithic times, when the heads were buried separately from the body, indicating the head had special meaning. Even though head hunting was popular amongst many different societies, there is no single head hunting “model”. Some Southeast Asian tribes engaged in hunting raids aimed at obtaining a few heads. There were no specific gender or race targeted (Schefold). Rituals, omens and oracles influenced the practice. When the task was completed, it tended grand, religious celebrations. Headhunters were welcomed back into the villages like they were gods. On the other hand, some believe that the head will serve as a go...

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... made dangerous journeys to bring back heads that were very important to their villages. The headhunters were seen as semi-human. They were so respected in their villages that they were compared to gods. The act of headhunting was important, but the ceremonies served as greater importance. They helped to resolve the difference between headhunters and culture heroes.
Although many people see headhunting as a violent tradition and ritual, it was a vital part to Southeast Asian people, who still practice headhunting ceremonies. The head of a person was seen as the most important part of the body. It contained the soul and had many benefits for the people of Southeast Asia, such as religious, political and agricultural benefits for the village. There was no one set means for headhunting practices, but the traditions have been carried well into the twentieth century.

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