Kalabubu

thumb|right|The Kalabubu of South Nias. Kalabubu, sometimes spelled Kala bubu, is a torc (stiff circular necklace) worn by warriors of the people of South Nias of North Sumatra, Indonesia. Kalabubu symbolizes triumph in warfare and heroism. Wearing a kalabubu was believed to protect the wearer from harm. Kalabubu is popularly known as the "headhunter's necklace"; historically only those who already decapitated the head of the enemy tribes are allowed to wear the kalabubu.

==Form and construction== thumb|150px|left|Kalabubu is constructed of coconut shell slices and brass wire. Kalabubu is circular in form with diameter between to . The thickness of the kalabubu differs with the center part wider and then gradually smaller at both ends. The shrinking ends are connected to form either a disk, either of brass or rarely of gold. The internal frame of a kalabubu is made out of an iron or brass wire which is tied at the end. The tying at the end is shaped like a disk. Disk-shaped slices of coconut shell (or sometimes turtle shell) are fitted around the internal brass frame. The disk are cut progressively larger at the front center of the ring, and smaller at the end. The disk slices are then pressed together and then sanded and polished until they have a completely smooth surface. Finally they are dyed black.