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Skull and Horns of a Wild Buffalo, shot in Central Assam, 1854. Creator: Unknown
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Skull and Horns of a Wild Buffalo, shot in Central Assam, 1854. Creator: Unknown
Skull and Horns of a Wild Buffalo, shot in Central Assam, 1854. Distance between horns: 6 feet 8½ inches. The Buffalo is found of majestic growth in a wild state in the numerous tree-jungles of Assam [in India], and the killing of this fine animal is one of the favourite wild sports of the country. In a shooting party made for this purpose, in April, 1842, a remarkably fine Buffalo was shot by Lieutenant-Colonel Matthie, near Tezpore, in Central Assam. The skull and horns of this stately specimen of the ox tribe have lately been brought by Colonel Matthie from India, with the intention of presenting them to be added to the already fine collection of horns in the zoological collection of the British Museum'. From "Illustrated London News", 1854
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Media ID 36233523
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Blood Sports British India British Museum British Raj Diagram Horns Imperialism Looting Plunder Plundering Shooting Shooting Party Skull The Raj Trophy British Empire Hindoostan
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EDITORS COMMENTS
This striking photograph captures the impressive skull and horns of a wild buffalo, shot in Central Assam, India, in 1854. The buffalo, a symbol of majestic growth in the dense tree-jungles of Assam, was a popular target for hunting parties during the British Raj. In this instance, Lieutenant-Colonel Matthie, a member of a shooting party in April 1842, successfully hunted a remarkably fine specimen near Tezpore. The skull and horns of this stately buffalo were later brought to Britain with the intention of being added to the British Museum's esteemed zoological collection. The Buffalo, native to Hindustan, or India, was a favorite wild sport for the British during their imperial rule. The hunting parties, which were a form of entertainment for the British elite, were often accompanied by a sense of lawlessness and plunder. The distance between the horns of this particular buffalo measures an impressive 6 feet 8½ inches. The photograph, published in the Illustrated London News in 1854, provides a glimpse into the imperial past and the role of hunting in the British Raj. The British Museum, with its extensive collection of natural history specimens, was a testament to the reach and influence of the British Empire. The acquisition of such trophies, including the skull and horns of the wild buffalo, was a way to showcase the power and wealth of the British. The photograph serves as a reminder of a time when the natural world was viewed as a resource to be exploited and displayed for the entertainment and pride of the British elite.
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