The effigy of a monkey skull is an exceptional and symbol-imbued object of the Syllo people-an indigenous group in the hilly areas of Northeast India, particularly Arunachal Pradesh. It is important not just for its decorative value but also for the ceremonial and cultural significance attached to it, especially concerning tribal authority. This effigy is a real monkey skull, and its extraction is characterized by prominent, strong, ferocious, and potentially dominating canines. The monkey is considered as an emblem of agility and intelligence in the tribal belief systems, where the skull takes the form of a potent emblem signifying triumph or successful hunting, as well as leadership.
One of the major highlights of this effigy is the plaited cane strap that is painstakingly attached over the said effigy of the monkey skull. Another cane strap is fixed at the back, which is used to handle or carry the skull, possibly during ceremonial processions or as a wearable item by a tribal chief. The use of cane—locally sourced and handwoven—shows the connection to the natural materials and traditional craft technologies by the tribe. This object is believed to be a trophy of a chief, an accolade attesting to leadership, bravery, and power within the Syllo clan. Oftentimes, such items serve dual purposes: material items of demarcation as well as spiritual talismans.